HR & Administration Manager

Feste Anstellung, unbefristet

Line Manager: Managing Director Finance & Administration of AIXTRON Malaysia

Dotted Report to: Senior Director Human Resources of AIXTRON Group

About AIXTRON

AIXTRON is a technology and innovation-driven market leader in deposition equipment (MOCVD) for third-generation semiconductor materials such as GaN, SiC and GaAs—critical enablers for energy efficiency, data communications and AI infrastructure. Headquartered in Herzogenrath, Germany, we hold the #1 market position in each of the markets we serve and build some of the industry’s most sophisticated high-tech systems. What sets us apart is how we combine deep technology focus, customer orientation and speed of innovation with strong team spirit, agility and a collaborative company culture. Learn more at www.aixtron.com.

AIXTRON’s new manufacturing & engineering hub in Malaysia

We are building a new greenfield manufacturing and engineering hub in Batu Kawan, Penang. The site will provide a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment for assembly & test of our high-end systems and will contribute to engineering the next generation of products. Operations are planned to start in 2027 with rapid ramp-up. Beyond technology, the new location is designed as a modern workplace with state-of-the art office and amenities — built to foster collaboration and a strong focus on people’s wellbeing.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for purpose-driven builders: hands-on professionals with entrepreneurial spirit who enjoy setting up structures, improving processes and taking ownership in a fast-moving environment. As pioneers of our Malaysia site, you will help to shape not only your function, but also how we work together locally — while being connected to a global team of around 1,000 employees from ~60 nationalities across Asia, Europe and the US. We offer competitive benefits, outstanding technical expertise, development opportunities and training.

About the role

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, hands-on HR & Administration Manager to build the HR and general administration function for AIXTRON Malaysia from the ground up. This role is critical to attract, develop and retain the talent required to launch and scale our new manufacturing and engineering hub in Penang — while ensuring full compliance with Malaysian labor laws and creating a fair, safe and high-performance work environment from day one.

In the start-up phase, you will act as the local HR lead and a core member of the site leadership team, working in close alignment with AIXTRON Headquarters and regional stakeholders. As the organization grows, you will build a lean, scalable HR setup and play a key role in shaping the local company culture and ways of working. You will be one of the key players to make our project successful.

Responsibilities

HR Strategy & Greenfield Start-up

• Partner with site leadership to define and implement the foundational HR strategy for the start-up and growth phases.
• Design, implement and continuously improve HR policies, workflows and the employee handbook for a rapidly scaling manufacturing environment.
• Build a strong and lean HR organization from scratch and scale it with the business.

Employer Branding, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Develop employer branding and a local recruitment strategy to position AIXTRON as an employer of choice in the region.
• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements and selection criteria.
• Lead end-to-end recruitment for all levels (technicians, engineers, professionals and management).
• Build relationships with technical institutes, universities, recruitment agencies and relevant government bodies (e.g., HRD Corp).
• Execute a structured onboarding program to integrate new hires.

HR Operations, Payroll & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Malaysian employment regulations (Employment Act 1955, Industrial Relations Act, OSHA, EPF, SOCSO, EIS, Income Tax, etc.) and keep policies up to date.
• Manage monthly payroll processing in liaison with an external payroll service provider.

Compensation, Performance & Reporting

• Conduct market benchmarking to maintain competitive salary and benefits structures.
• Coordinate annual salary reviews, performance appraisals, bonus and incentive programs.
• Maintain HR records (attendance, headcount, turnover, approvals, etc.) and personnel files in line with internal controls.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters and foster a fair and transparent work environment.
• Handle disciplinary actions, grievances, conflicts and performance issues professionally and in accordance with Malaysian law.

Training & Development

• Identify training needs (manufacturing skills, safety, quality and soft skills).
• Coordinate internal/external trainings and certifications; track participation and effectiveness.

General Administration & Facility Support

• Manage general office administration (procurement of office supplies, equipment and services).
• Manage vendors for facilities, security, cleaning, catering, travel and transport.
• Support coordination of work permits and expatriate visa processes for foreign employees and visitors, if required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8+ years of HR experience, including 3–5 years in a managerial role; experience in international manufacturing companies is a plus.
• Strong, hands-on knowledge across HR functions; solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work strategically and hands-on, and to build processes from scratch.
• High integrity and ability to handle confidentiality with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable interacting with all levels from technician to senior management.
• Fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia; Mandarin is an advantage.

Working Conditions

• Role based at AIXTRON Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
• Majority of work at the Batu Kawan site.
• Occasional travel to Headquarters in Germany or other regional sites.