Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Role Description
The Regional HR Director for the Asia Pacific region is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing and guiding the human resources function across multiple countries within the region. This leader will manage a team of HR professionals located in various countries and have direct reports who themselves lead local HR teams. The role includes oversight of HR activities at both business and manufacturing sites. It requires a strong understanding of diverse cultural, legal, and business environments and the ability to drive HR strategies that support business growth, employee engagement, and organizational development. This role also aligns and coordinates closely with Regional Eastman Leaders, HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) and HR Business Partners based in the United States and collaborates with regional HR peers in EMEA and LAR.
This fulltime position is based onsite at our Shanghai office in China.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic HR leadership and direction across the Asia Pacific region, aligning HR initiatives with overall business objectives.
- Lead, develop, and manage a team of HR leaders and professionals based in multiple countries, fostering collaboration and alignment.
- Develop positive relationships and partnerships across the organization in support of leaders.
- Partner with senior business leaders to understand their workforce needs and provide HR solutions that support business performance.
- Oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development programs regionally in partnership with HR COEs.
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations across all countries within the region.
- Drive employee engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate and share best practices with regional HR peers in EMEA and Latin America Regions (LAR).
- Manage regional HR budgets and resources efficiently.
- Lead organizational change management efforts, including restructuring, M&A, or cultural transformation initiatives.
- Develop and implement HR policies and practices that are consistent yet adaptable to local market conditions.
- Monitor HR metrics and analytics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders and employees on complex HR issues and challenges.
- Oversee HR functions at both business and manufacturing sites to ensure alignment and support for diverse operational needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in HR leadership roles within the Asia Pacific region.
- Proven track record of managing multi-country HR teams and complex organizational structures.
- Deep knowledge of regional labor laws, employment standards, and cultural nuances.
- Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience with HR systems and data analytics.
Key Competencies:
- Leadership and People Management
- Strategic HR Planning
- Cross-cultural Communication
- Change Management
- Employee Engagement & Retention
- Talent Management & Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- Business Acumen
Travel Requirements:
- Some travel (10-30%) within the Asia Pacific region to engage with local teams and business leaders at both business and manufacturing sites.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
