Wellington College Education (China)

Role Description

JOB TITLE

Employee Engagement Manager

DEPARTMENT

HR

LOCATION

Shanghai

SUPERVISOR

Head of HR

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the Employee Engagement Manager at Wellington College International Shanghai is to oversee and enhance the College's appraisal and performance management processes and maintain positive employee relations. This role involves ensuring that performance systems are effectively integrated with the school's strategic goals, to sustain a high-performance culture. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for managing employee relations to promote a harmonious and productive workplace.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performance Management:

1.Act as the primary HR contact for the group-led performance appraisal system project, communicating school requirements, overseeing the formal launch, and ensuring a smooth transition to operational use.

2.Facilitate the annual performance appraisal process and conduct quality checks to ensure alignment with educational goals and group standards.

3.Guide and support leadership and staff in setting objectives, providing feedback, and conducting annual reviews.

4.Oversee the identification of high-potential staff and ensure their development through tailored training and succession planning.

5.Ensure consistent, transparent, and equitable application of performance management processes across all departments.

6.Collaborate with the HR team to integrate performance management with talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies.

7.Develop and monitor improvement plans for low-performing employees, with clear goals and timelines.

8.Support managers in conducting follow-up meetings with low-performing staff to track progress and provide feedback.

9.Manage the contract renewal process for both Academic and Non-academic teams.

Employee Relations and Engagement:

10.Serve as the main point of contact for employee relations, addressing and resolving workplace issues promptly and effectively.

11.Foster positive employee relations by designing and implementing programs that encourage open communication and constructive feedback.

12.Conduct investigations and handle complex employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and terminations, in accordance with group policy.

13.Lead the annual staff engagement survey, ensuring high participation, analyzing results, and deriving actionable insights.

14.Develop and implement follow-up action plans with stakeholders, track progress, and report on impact.

15.Promote a continuous feedback culture through focus groups and initiatives to enhance ongoing employee engagement.

16.Champion a workplace culture aligned with Wellington’s values: Kindness, Responsibility, Respect, Courage, and Integrity.

17.Advise management on best practices for maintaining a supportive, inclusive, and diverse work environment.

18.Perform any other duties commensurate with the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

•5–7 years of HR experience with expertise in performance management and employee relations, ideally in an international educational or multinational setting.

•Solid understanding of local employment laws and HR best practices.

•Strong interpersonal skills, with discretion and tact in handling sensitive matters.

•A collaborative team player.

•Experience designing and facilitating training programs in performance management and employee engagement.

•Strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills, capable of both hands-on execution and providing leadership and direction.

•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex information clearly and persuasively. 

•Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data visualization tools.

•Ability to translate data insights into practical, impactful actions.

•Proficient in oral and written English.

As an employer of choice, Wellington College Education (China) is committed to making professional learning and personal development central to its ethos and approach. WCEC fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the Group.