Group Head of HR at HCS Affiliates Group, Nairobi

Broad Function: The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight of the Human Resources function across the organization. This role will ensure that HR strategies are aligned with organizational objectives, contribute to financial sustainability, enhance the employer brand, improve internal processes, and develop long-term organizational capabilities.

Note: Only candidates with a minimum of 5 years of management experience in the hotel industry will be considered.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Financial Perspective
   • Develop and manage group-wide compensation and benefits strategies that balance competitiveness with cost control.
   • Lead staff resource planning across the organization to align headcount and skill mix with budget allocations.
   • Implement productivity initiatives that optimize labor costs relative to output.
2. Oversee HR budgeting, ensuring measurable ROI from training, recruitment, and other HR activities.

• Review BSC frameworks to ensure staff rewards are linked with business outcomes.

1. Customer Perspective
   • Position each of the company brands as an employer of choice within their respective industries.
   • Oversee employee relations and industry union harmony (where applicable) in compliance with Kenyan labor laws.
   • Develop and monitor employee feedback channels to establish a listening and caring employer.
   • Lead employee engagement initiatives to enhance satisfaction and retention.
   • Develop talent pipelines to meet guest/customer and business expectations.
   • Engage and manage key talent pipeline stakeholders.
   • Foster a culture of confidentiality, trust, and ethical work practices.
2. Internal Processes
   • Establish and continuously improve HR policies, SOPs, and governance frameworks.
   • Lead and champion the Balance Scorecard performance management process, ensuring appropriate interventions are implemented as needed.
   • Implement HR technology systems for real-time analytics and improved management reporting and decision-making.
   • Drive organizational development and change management initiatives, e.g., #PlaceOfHappiness.
   • Strengthen health, safety, and wellness programs, ensuring 100% compliance across the board.
3. Learning and Growth
   • Develop and execute comprehensive leadership development and succession planning frameworks organization-wide.
   • Establish ongoing learning opportunities through mentorship programs, e-learning platforms, and strategic partnerships.
   • Cultivate an organizational culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
   • Enhance the HR team’s capacity to serve as effective strategic business partners.
   • Promote cultural cohesion through consistent reinforcement of shared corporate values.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of Kenyan labor laws and global HR standards.
• Financial acumen and the ability to position HR as a strategic business partner.
• Ability to influence peers, management, and the board.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with individuals at various levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Assertive and results-oriented.
• Self-driven and energetic with a record of impeccable integrity.

ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree complemented by HR-specific training.
• CHRP-K and IHRM membership required.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior management experience (leading the HR function).
• Proven track record in leading HR transformation, managing industrial relations, and advising at the board level.
• Hotel experience at a 4-star plus property with 150+ staff preferred (manufacturing experience is a bonus).