People Operations Specialist

People Operations Specialist · Kuala Lumpur · Full-time · Human Resource

About respond.io

Respond.io is an AI-powered business messaging platform trusted by companies in 127+ countries. We help businesses manage every customer conversation — across chat, calls, and email — in one place. Founded in 2017, we've grown into a global team moving fast to shape how the world communicates with customers.

We're looking for an Owner, not an Executor.

People Operations at respond.io isn't a support function — it's a foundation. As we expand into new markets, the way we run our people processes, tools, and care for our employees will define how well we scale. This role will evolve as we do — and we are looking for someone who is ready to grow with us into new regions, new challenges, and new ways of working.

This role sits at the intersection of execution and advisory. You will own the day-to-day rhythm of HR operations while also being the person who says "here's a better way to do this" — and then builds it. You care about getting things right, not just getting things done.

You care about getting things right, not just getting things done.

What You're Here to Do

Your work keeps the people engine running — and makes it faster.

• Own HR operations end-to-end — from processing requests and managing role changes to maintaining the integrity of employee data in the HRIS. When something touches an employee's experience, you make sure it is handled with accuracy and care.
• Keep the company compliant and current — ensure that policies, employment letters, and HR documentation are always aligned with the latest labour laws, and flag proactively when something needs updating.
• Own the accuracy of compensation data — process salary changes and maintain a clean, reliable salary database that teams and leadership can trust.
• Be the person who moves internal transitions smoothly — whether someone is changing teams, shifting scope, or stepping into a new role, you manage the process and keep track of how they are settling in after.
• Spot the friction before it becomes a problem — proactively identify workflow gaps and process inefficiencies, and come with a recommendation, not just an observation.
• Drive the People team's quarterly OKR projects — not just contributing tasks, but helping shape how the work gets done. You bring ideas, improve documentation, and push initiatives forward.
• Lead HR tool migrations — as we evaluate and evolve our HR tech stack, including HRIS, you will be hands-on in the migration process: testing, coordinating, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Build for global scale — as respond.io expands you will be part of setting up people operations that work across time zones, employment laws, and cultures. You won't just apply what exists — you will help shape what comes next.
• Champion employee care — this is not a checkbox. From organising to sending a care packages when someone is unwell, you take genuine ownership of the moments that remind employees they are seen. You will build and run initiatives that make people feel supported, not just employed.
• Contribute to employee engagement activities — including recognition programs, team-building events, and company-wide celebrations — to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture globally.

What Success Looks Like

• HR operations run like clockwork — accurate data, on-time processing, zero compliance surprises.
• Employees feel looked after, not just administered.
• When a process breaks or slows us down, you have already spotted it and proposed a fix.
• When we go global, our people operations are ready — because you helped build them that way.
• The People team trusts your judgment — not just to execute, but to advise.

You'll Thrive Here If...

• You treat accuracy and process as craft — you notice the small things before they become big things.
• You don't wait to be asked. If something can be done better, you say so — and you show how.
• You can hold the detail and the bigger picture at the same time.
• You genuinely care about people — the care initiatives aren't tasks on a list to you, they are the part of the job you take seriously.
• You are comfortable in a team that's structured but still building — some things are defined, some aren't, and that energizes you.
• You can navigate ambiguity when going global throws you into unfamiliar territory.

What You Bring

• 3–5 years in HR operations or people operations, ideally in a tech company.
• Solid understanding of Malaysian labour law, with an openness to learn across other jurisdictions.
• Prior exposure to global markets, particularly LATAM and EMEA, is a strong advantage.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms — bonus if you've been through a migration.
• Strong attention to detail in compensation data, documentation, and compliance.
• The ability to advise, not just execute — you can recommend a better approach, explain why, and bring people along.
• Experience working on people initiatives beyond operational tasks — wellbeing, employee experience, or culture work.
• Comfort working across multiple priorities without dropping the ball on any of them.
• Fluent in English, written and verbal

What You Get

• Competitive compensation package — high performers are recognised and rewarded
• Medical insurance coverage
• Flexible working hours and environment — we care about output, not clock-ins
• Team events, both virtual and in-person
• Real ownership from day one — this is a builder role, not a support role

We are building the infrastructure that lets our people do their best work — at office, home and across the world. If that's the kind of work that gets you out of bed, let's talk.