Research and Development Product Manager

Company Description

Kakitangan.com, operated by Coastal Hectare Sdn Bhd, is a leading Malaysia-based cloud HR and payroll software provider focused on helping small and medium businesses streamline HR processes. The platform offers an elegant, user-friendly system for payroll, leave, claims, attendance, and AI-powered HR tools that save time and reduce costs. Trusted across Malaysia, Kakitangan.com has processed over RM4 billion in payroll, is supported by 16 banks, and has undergone PDPA audits by BDO for data protection compliance. The solution enables easy online generation of statutory forms and payslips, automatic backups, and frequent updates to stay aligned with regulatory requirements. Hosted on AWS with mobile apps, it allows team members to manage HR tasks from anywhere, including applying or approving leave, submitting claims, and clocking in and out.

Role Description

The Research and Development Product Manager is a full-time, hybrid role based in WP Kuala Lumpur, with flexibility for partial work from home. This role leads end-to-end product development for Kakitangan.com’s HR and payroll solutions, from concept through launch and continuous improvement. Daily responsibilities include conducting market and user research, defining product requirements, prioritizing the roadmap, and collaborating closely with engineering, design, and customer-facing teams. The individual will oversee project timelines, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure releases meet quality, usability, and compliance standards. The role also involves monitoring product performance, analyzing data to identify enhancements, and driving innovation that aligns with customer needs and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed product decisions.
• 3-5 years experience in Research and Development (R&D) and applied research to validate product concepts and features.
• Proven project management capabilities, including planning, prioritization, and coordination across cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience in product development, preferably in SaaS, HR tech, or payroll-related solutions.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex requirements into clear product specifications.
• Familiarity with agile or iterative product management methodologies and tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; advanced degrees are an advantage.
• Comfort working in a hybrid environment in WP Kuala Lumpur and collaborating with distributed teams. Knowledge of HR, payroll, or compliance landscapes in Malaysia is beneficial.