Human Resource Director

About the role

A client of Shugulika Africa Limited is looking for a highly experienced and strategic Human Resource Director / HR Business Partner to lead all HR functions across the organization. The role aligns HR strategy with business objectives, drives workforce planning, strengthens organizational culture, ensures compliance with labor laws and supports operational excellence in a fast-paced environment. It suits a hands-on leader who partners with senior management to boost productivity, employee engagement and business performance.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives and advise senior leadership on human capital matters
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning and talent pipeline development
• Oversee recruitment and hiring, and drive performance management systems aligned with business KPIs
• Implement employee engagement initiatives and handle complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary and grievance matters
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, regulations and internal HR policies
• Lead compensation and benefits strategy, oversee payroll with Finance, and manage HR records and audits
• Develop learning and development programs and support leadership coaching for managers and supervisors
• Drive organizational design and restructuring when required, and monitor HR metrics such as turnover, absenteeism and productivity
• Promote a strong safety culture, support industrial relations and union engagement where applicable, and manage the HR team across locations

Required profile

• Minimum 10-15+ years of progressive HR experience, including a senior leadership role such as HR Director or HR Business Partner
• Strong understanding of labor laws, industrial relations and compliance
• Experience managing large and diverse workforces and aligning HR strategy with business goals
• Leadership, stakeholder management, communication and interpersonal skills in English; Swahili highly preferred
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on, solve problems and make decisions, and manage change and organizational transformation
• Willingness to travel between locations and business units

Required skills

• Proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• Performance management, talent development and succession planning