Competency-Based HR Job Architecture Progression for the Manufacturing Sector

Covering the full span from Entry to Executive level. This framework is tailored to the HR dynamics in all manufacturing sub-sectors (FMCG, automotive, heavy industries, electronics, packaging, etc.), emphasizing plant-site challenges, industrial relations, and scalable talent systems.

HR Job Architecture – Manufacturing Sector (Competency-Based Progression)

Job LevelTypical TitlesCore CompetenciesKey Responsibilities
Entry (0–2 yrs)HR Admin Assistant, Factory HR Support, Recruitment Clerk– Process discipline
– Factory floor familiarity
– Document management
– Basic HRIS/data entry
– Handle attendance, overtime, leave data
– Support blue-collar hiring logistics
– Maintain physical & digital records
– Support admin tasks during audits
– Arrange onboarding for workers
Junior (3–5 yrs)HR Officer, Industrial Relations Officer, Training Officer– Operational HR fluency
– Policy & legal compliance
– Worker communication
– Internal coordination
– Administer HR policy on-site
– Coordinate grievance resolution
– Conduct safety & HR inductions
– Support shift-based manpower planning
– Handle documentation for BPJS, payroll inputs
Mid (6–9 yrs)HRBP – Plant, Talent Acquisition Specialist, IR Specialist, C&B Analyst– Business-unit HR alignment
– Labor law application
– Talent development program delivery
– Site compliance & audit readiness
– Lead hiring for skilled workers & technicians
– Implement site-level IR strategy
– Monitor KPIs: attrition, discipline cases, absenteeism
– Deliver training & productivity initiatives
– Conduct workforce cost monitoring
Senior (10–14 yrs)Plant HR Manager, HR Site Lead, Organization Development Manager– Leadership in IR & union matters
– Workforce strategy for factory ops
– Change management
– Multi-site coordination
– Lead end-to-end HR in plant(s)
– Build annual headcount & cost plan
– Drive labor negotiations & dispute resolution
– Lead Kaizen, Lean, or TPM integration with HR
– Manage contractor/vendor compliance
Executive (15+ yrs)Group HR Head – Manufacturing, HR Director, HRVP – Operations– HR strategy & policy architecture
– Transformation leadership
– Stakeholder influence (CEO, COO, unions)
– Cross-factory HR integration
– Design HR roadmap across multiple factories
– Align HR goals with production/supply targets
– Oversee ERP/HRIS implementation across sites
– Lead productivity-linked incentive programs
– Represent company in court/industry forums