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 the HR strategy is closely aligned with organizational objectives, supports financial sustainability, enhances our employer brand, streamlines internal processes, and fosters 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 comprehensive compensation and benefits strategies that balance competitiveness with cost control across the group.
   • Lead staff resource planning to ensure alignment of headcount and skills mix with budget allocations.
   • Implement productivity initiatives that optimize labor costs in relation to output.
2. Oversee HR budgeting, ensuring measurable ROI from training, recruitment, and other HR activities.

• Review Balanced Scorecard frameworks to ensure staff rewards are linked to business outcomes.

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

KEY COMPETENCIES:

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

ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree complemented by HR-specific training.
• CHRP-K and IHRM membership required.
• A 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.
• Experience in a 4-star plus hotel property with 150+ staff preferred; manufacturing experience is a bonus.