Director of Human Resources

Company Description

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description

As a senior HR leader,  this role will directly partner with the Senior Vice President, Head Media Operations at Western Digital, as well as select executive leaders in Malaysia. The role will support the leader globally, while also shaping the Malaysia country workforce strategy. This includes translating business plans into talent, engagement, and organization plans; partnering with HR Centers of Excellence to deliver priorities; and working with HR Experience Partners in Malaysia and HR Business Partners in other countries to provide scale. Over time, the role may assume people leadership responsibilities.

This role is designed for a senior HR leader who can operate at both strategic and operational levels: shaping workforce strategy for a complex global manufacturing function while ensuring local Malaysia needs are surfaced, prioritized, and connected to enterprise HR solutions.

The critical success factors for this role include demonstrated consultative skills, fast-paced thinking, learning agility, professional maturity, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking. The strongest candidate will be able to translate ambiguity into clear frameworks, action plans, and enterprise-level recommendations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Act as a talent strategist, trusted advisor, and leadership coach to senior executive leaders

• Own and drive the function’s talent strategy in alignment with the business strategy, engaging as a trusted advisor and strategic consultant to senior leaders and Factory General Managers
• Diagnose workforce needs and gaps with a data-driven approach to inform priorities related to workforce planning, organization design, culture, succession planning and leader development
• Build strong relationships with senior executive leaders and factory General Managers, coaching and influencing them along our manufacturing transformation journey focused on driving automation, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and related large-scale upskilling
• Maintain a pulse on the employee experience through engagement data and regular formal and informal listening sessions to inform action plans with leaders
• Respond as needed to global or local crises affecting Western Digital employees, act as an early warning signal for executives and the HR leadership team

Influence design and drive adoption of enterprise-wide strategic talent programs

• Act as a steward of the Human Resources functional strategy and operating model
• Drive the enterprise-wide integrated talent management programs such as goal setting, performance feedback, development conversations and rewards within the aligned functions
• Participate in cross-functional working teams on talent programs, serving as the voice of the business and bringing insights from external industry trends into the discussions
• Amplify and embed a focus on inclusion across lifecycle of talent programs
• Operate with a solution-oriented and enterprise mindset, collaborating with various Centers of Excellence to optimize the business value of the HR function

Provide HR leadership to cross-functional business needs and HR team in Malaysia

• Keep a pulse on local business needs, strategically triaging to mobilize the right HR teams for speedy resolution and in alignment with global practices where needed
• Represent needs of the site to the HR Centers of Excellence as they design and launch programs
• Integrate local talent strategies into global functional people strategy and vice-versa by working with the Lead HR Business Partners where needed
• Advocate for adoption of global HR programs in partnership with local teams to adapt go-to-market plans as needed
• Represent HR in critical internal and external stakeholder meetings or conferences, as needed
• Engage with local HR teams supporting / advocating for their overall experience and growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; master’s degree or relevant certification preferred.
• At least 12-15 years of experience in Human Resources, including HR consulting, Centers of Excellence, or HR Business Partner roles, ideally in a global multinational corporation with a matrix working environment.
• Demonstrates inclusive leadership, leading with curiosity, results orientation, accountability, and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.
• Proven record of coaching and influencing senior executive stakeholders to lead strategic initiatives.
• Understands the competitor landscape, industry dynamics, and internal operations within hardware technology and manufacturing.
• Leads with a global mindset; experience working globally preferred
• Operates with a consultative mindset, leveraging data to conduct diagnostics and deliver compelling insights for effective decision-making.
• Leads systematically through transformation and change, helping the company and individuals embrace change and positively shape the future.
• Approaches problems from a whole-systems perspective, identifying interdependencies and understanding the systemic consequences of decisions.
• Demonstrated Executive-level communication, presentation and collaboration skills

Additional Information

WESTERN DIGITAL’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY 

At Western Digital, we thrive on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe that the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe that the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution. 

ABOUT WESTERN DIGITAL 

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. 

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon. 

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future. 

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too. 

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands. 

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data. 

#LI-FN1

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com.