Head of Human Resources, Korea

ING Bank

ING Bank covers Wholesale and Retail Banking in Asia Pacific. Our Wholesale Banking business is present and active in 11 major economies in the Asia Pacific, namely China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Reports to:

• Korea Country Head (Hierarchical)
• APAC Head of HR (Functional)

Duration:

• [6 months+]

Role Overview

The Senior HRBP, Wholesale Bank Korea will provide senior HR business partnering to Korea’s leadership team, ensuring continuity of strategic people initiatives and compliance with local and regional HR policies. This role will also mentor and support a team member (People Services Manager), empowering them to take on expanded responsibilities during this period.

Key Responsibilities

1. Senior HR Business Partnering

• Partner with senior management to deliver the Korea strategic people agenda and provide expert HR advice on organizational design, talent management, and employee relations.
• Oversee and guide all cyclical HR processes (performance evaluations, talent reviews, promotions, pay reviews), ensuring alignment with regional HRBPs and Centres of Expertise (COEs).
• Advise on complex employee relations matters, working closely with the Regional ER lead as needed.
• Drive the implementation of Learning & Development and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) initiatives, ensuring they are embedded in the local people strategy.
• Analyse and interpret Organisational Health Index (OHI) results, supporting management in developing targeted follow-up actions.

2. Coaching & Team Development

• Mentor and guide the People Services Manager, providing hands-on support and structured opportunities for them to step up into business partnering activities.
• Delegate appropriate business partnering tasks, offering feedback and coaching to build their capability and confidence.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the HR team.

3. HR Operations Oversight

• Provide oversight and guidance on HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, outsourcing contract management, compliance with local labour laws, and HR policy updates.
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory HR requirements are met, including reporting and governance obligations.
• Support the People Services Manager in managing day-to-day HR operations, stepping in for escalations or complex issues as required.
• Ensure compliance with local government requirements regarding overall HR procedures for both the Bank and Securities branches.

4. Change Management & Process Improvement

• Support ongoing regional and local HR change initiatives, ensuring effective communication and implementation.
• Identify and drive process improvements, leveraging digitization and best practices.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key HR contact for local and regional leadership, ensuring timely and effective communication of HR matters.
• Represent HR in relevant committees and governance forums as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years proven experience in a senior HR business partnering role, ideally within financial services or a multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of Korean labour law and HR best practices.
• Strong collaboration skills in a matrix environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop junior HR professionals.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English and Korean.

Success Factors

• Ability to provide strategic HR leadership while empowering and developing junior talent.
• Strong collaboration with regional HR and business leaders.
• Maintaining compliance and operational excellence during an interim period.