School HRBP (focus on C&B)

About the School – St. Andrews International School, Green Valley
St. Andrews Green Valley is located on the Green Valley golf complex in Rayong, an hour and a half outside of Bangkok and twenty minutes from the city of Pattaya and the beautiful coastline of the Gulf of Thailand.

The campus is situated between lush, green hills and as such, has a mission focused upon environmental mindedness, experiential education and outstanding holistic care. We have an environment second to none for educating our students and make the most of the opportunities it affords us.

The school has been open since 1996, and has academic outcomes comfortably above global averages and those within Eastern Thailand, including excellent IB Diploma scores. The average tenure of staff is over seven years and the school has been rated as outstanding by EDT, as well as being awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag and the Wellbeing Award for Schools. In addition, we are a full and active member of FOBISIA.

We are at an exciting stage of our development, as we drive towards an eco-literate education for a sustainable future. Our students are our greatest asset and our working life is rich, fulfilling and exciting. We seek teachers who are driven, have high expectations and are devoted to delivering a first class education. In return, Green Valley will provide an outstanding lifestyle and incredible students to teach who are friendly, engaged and motivated.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for Accounting Manager to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best. And thrive.

About the role : School HRBP (focus on C&B)

This role works closely with the Head of School at the respective campus and the Head of HR – Thailand. The primary responsibility of this role is to manage GV payroll, expatriate staff income tax filing and other employee’s compensation and benefits. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for the wider employee life cycle including talent acquisition, onboarding, rewards and retention, people management, training, and compliance.

While the main focus is Employee’s compensation and benefits, the HRBP is expected to support and assist in all aspects of HR when necessary, to ensure continuity and avoid siloed responsibilities. The role also collaborates with the Head of HR – Thailand to ensure effective policy implementation, data reporting, and the rollout of new initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Payroll & Expatriate Income Tax (Primary Responsibility – GV Campus)
Manage end-to-end payroll for the GV campus.
Responsible for expatriate staff income tax filing, including liaison with external advisors as needed.
Act as the primary contact for payroll-related queries, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Cognita policy and Thai labor law.
Work closely with the Head of HR during the transition period to fully understand the payroll template, payroll software, and expatriate tax processes.

Recruitment and Onboarding
Discuss and agree staffing needs and recruitment approach with hiring managers.
Advertise vacancies through applicable job advertisement platforms.
Provide expert guidance to hiring managers in the recruitment process, from sourcing and liaising with third-party recruitment consultants, developing accurate job descriptions, and adherence to approval procedures, ensuring operating plans and budgets are met.
Coordinate all interview and selection processes including screening applications, shortlisting, scheduling interviews, designing interview questions and attending interviews and assessments.
Obtain relevant supporting documents such as identity cards, passports, certifications, and qualifications for submission and filing.
Prepare and issue employment contracts and new hire documents.
Responsible for work permit and visa applications, renewals, and cancellations (e.g., visa application, shipping and temporary accommodation) to ensure a seamless relocation experience.
Monitor the probation process and confirmation of employment.
Plan and conduct new employee orientation and induction to foster positive attitudes toward the school, ensuring employees are set up to succeed in their roles and necessary information and support is provided for a successful transition.
Set up protocols for managers to follow and complete induction checklists so new employees are provided with a thorough and timely introduction to the school.
Ensure a positive orientation contributes to retention, job satisfaction, and productivity.

Compensation and Benefits
Oversee employee insurance benefits, acting as the primary contact for both employees and insurance providers.
Collaborate with the Head of HR on insurance plan renewals as needed.

Performance Management & Training
Manage, monitor, and review the formal and informal performance management of staff, ensuring that annual appraisals are carried out in an accurate and timely manner.
Analyze and manage training and development needs, recommending staff programs to support the school’s people management strategies.
Maintain training and development records and assist with training initiatives as required.
Communicate and train managers so they are aware of policies and procedures and can operate them effectively.

HR Business Partnering
Serve as the main HR contact for the GV campus, supporting the Head of School with staffing, HR advisory services, and employee wellbeing.
Drive and manage performance management cases within the campus.
Work closely with leaders within the campus for HR projects and procedures relevant to the needs of the school.
Provide any other HR support services required.

Offboarding
Work closely with line managers to complete terminations (resignations, end of contract, and exit interviews).
Conduct tax clearance processes for leaving employees.
Complete exit procedures for all leaving employees, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk to the school.

Compliance
Ensure compliance with Thai employment laws and Cognita policies.
Advise the Head of School and leaders on Thai employment laws, with targeted training as required.
Stay current with employment law changes and advise leadership on risk factors.

Government Liaison
Manage visa, work permit, and other required permits to ensure expatriate employees are hired legally and receive necessary permits in a timely manner.
Work closely with agencies and campus government liaison officers as applicable.

Cross-Functional HR Support (Anti-Silo)
Contribute to and support all HR functions across Cognita Thailand as needed.
Collaborate with HR colleagues across campuses to share expertise and ensure consistency.
Step in to assist with payroll, recruitment, compliance, or other HR processes during peak demand or absences.

Other Duties
Represent HR and participate in school/COGNITA groups including Health & Safety, community initiatives, and other projects.
Manage employees’ leave database including filing of forms, reporting and general enquiries.
Coordinate annual performance, salary, and bonus reviews.
Produce monthly and ad-hoc HR reports (headcount, turnover, hiring reports, HR summary reports).
Review NPS scores from Voice of Parents, Employees, and Students.
Oversee personnel files (PDA) maintenance and documentation.
Contribute to the ongoing development of HR policies and programs.
Participate in HR projects to enhance the working lives of employees.
Manage initiatives to make the school a “Great Place to Work.”

Person Specification:

Excellent written and oral English skills.
Strong familiarity with HR systems including Applicant Tracking System and Performance Management System
Expertise in Rewards management, budgeting and payroll will be an advantage.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Knowledge of legal policies and labor laws in Thailand.
Experience in leading a small HR team is an advantage.
Ability to develop and maintain positive employee relations.
Friendly and collaborative, with a business partnering mindset
Positive attitude and enjoy working in a multi-cultural environment.

Qualifications:

Degree in human resources or business management
Minimum 5 years of HR Generalist / Business Partnering experience