Job Began Listed From: 10 Jan 2010
Job Close On: 10 Apr 2010
Confidential Position Specification
Human Resources Director - Global
- China [Shanghai] -
Client

Our client is a NYSE-listed, dynamic, respected and acknowledged world-leading vertically integrated manufacturer of its own-brand solar photovoltaic (PV) products; from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules.  PV modules are arrays of interconnected solar cells encased in a weatherproof frame which is able to withstand high levels of ultraviolet radiation and moisture.  Their modules provide reliable and environmentally-friendly electric power for residential, commercial, industrial and other applications worldwide.

 
With global headquarters in Shanghai, China and existing global operations in both Europe and North America in addition to Asia; this financially strong firm continues to not only build and expand their own brand internationally but are also able to perform at, or above, analyst projections (recent 2nd Quarter results showed continued growth in revenues, margin, and net income).
 
The company succeeded to increase its market share substantially in Europe, Australia and the US, through strong sales to project system integrators, which currently represent more than half of the company's total sales.  The sequential increase in total shipments was primarily due to improved demand conditions in major European markets, improved customer access to PV system purchase financing and, increase in number of government incentive programs for solar energy projects in Europe, North America and Asia.
 
In order to continue to solidify their move to become a truly integrated global firm, together with a further significant increase in manufacturing capacity coming online by the end of 2009, the decision has been made to further strengthen its worldwide senior leadership structure.

 

Job Description
As a result, they are seeking an experienced senior professional for the key global role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
 
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CHRO will lead and manage all aspects of human resources globally, including full budget responsibility.
  • Key relationships / colleagues: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and VP Corporate Strategy & BD.
  • Direct reports: VP HR China, Sr. Directors/Managers HR in both Europe and North America.

 

Summary of Responsibilities

With a base in China, the major responsibilities will include:

  • Define and implement a global HR strategy for the business in conjunction with the overall strategy.
  • Contribute to business strategy development and business decisions as a key member of the senior management team.
  • Develop the HR structure globally.  Define, agree and implement.
  • Build up and lead the global HR team.
  • Build business partnership with other organizations to improve teamwork, knowledge sharing, adoption of best practices and to leverage ideas and resources.
  • Introduce, lead and influence change management initiatives with organizational leaders to enhance overall performance.
Specific tasks:
  • Develop and implement global HR strategy
  • Ensure a “best practice oriented” organization
  • Proactively anticipate and drive continuous improvement
  • Evaluate organization vision, mission, structures, processes and people and recommend, design and facilitate implementation of worldwide solutions to ensure alignment with the Company's overall direction
  • Drive organizational design, development and effectiveness initiatives, including competency development, talent planning/succession management, employee retention, new business integration, change management and process improvement
  • Establish and Manage the Performance Appraisal System
  • Work with HR and other line management to develop a learning culture within the overall organization; ensure proper internal communication and monitor its effectiveness
  • Ensure a world class leading recruitment process
  • Ensure a competitive remuneration scheme and ensure alignment between business units objectives and reward programs; establish a global C & B strategy and policy
  • Conduct gap analysis and establish a “Learning & Development” department to ensure appropriate career development programs and initiatives and ensure that these are aligned with critical skill development and succession planning
  • Ensure timely and accurate budgeting and reporting processes by implementing and managing the HR IT systems
  • Ensure consistent information flow to CEO and other top management functions
  • Ensure proper cost base in growth process
  • Ensure excellent relationship with internal clients in Operations, Finance, IT and HR by ensuring high HR service levels and assist in facilitating two-way communication among functional areas and human resources to establish world-class HR capabilities
Work Experience and Abilities Required
  • Proven track record of 15-20 years with at least the last 10 years as a successful Senior HR Director in an international and dynamic business environment; experience in the energy segment an advantage but not a must.
  • European (most developed market), US (market with highest growth expectation) citizen with extensive China experience.  Alternatively, Chinese citizen with extensive European / US experience, preferably global.
  • Ability to design and lead highly effective international organizations and processes.
  • Deep understanding of international and local markets / cultures.
  • Global experience mandated.

 

Personal Characteristics and Skills
  • Strong drive and result orientated
  • Entrepreneurial in both thinking and action
  • Strong relationship management and leadership skills
  • Hands-on mentality and leadership
  • Team player with high level multicultural experience
  • Proven ability to build highly effective and efficient teams
  • Excellent negotiator
  • Able to set and achieve ambitious goals
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good sense for business opportunities
  • Strong analytic skills with ability to innovate and help develop customers

 

Education

Bachelor degree required.  MBA desirable.

Language Ability

Excellent skills in both oral and written English; fair language skills in Mandarin Chinese; any further European language skills advantageous.

Compensation

The position compensation will be attractive and negotiable to the right candidate, comprising of a very competitive base salary supplemented by a performance oriented bonus opportunity, benefits and equity/stock participation.  

Remark