Human Resource Manager – Employee Relations

Role Overview

This position serves as the primary HR liaison for multiple academic and administrative units, providing hands-on guidance on employee relations, compliance, and operational people processes. The role is essential for ensuring that HR policies and labour law requirements are consistently applied across the university, while also supporting leadership in building a positive and engaged workforce. Day-to-day work involves advising managers on complex employee matters, handling investigations, coordinating recruitment and onboarding, and contributing to initiatives that foster staff development and retention.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for employee relations issues, offering timely advice to managers and staff on conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, grievance handling, and policy interpretation.
• Conduct workplace investigations, document findings, and recommend appropriate corrective actions while ensuring adherence to legal and institutional standards.
• Manage end-to-end HR operations for assigned departments, including recruitment, new hire onboarding, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and employee record maintenance.
• Partner with the Director of Human Resources to design and roll out employee engagement initiatives, retention strategies, and training programmes that address skill gaps and career development.
• Ensure compliance with Kenya’s employment laws, university policies, and relevant state statutes; serve on the Occupational Safety, Health & Environment Committee to monitor workplace safety and risk mitigation.
• Develop and distribute HR-related communications—such as policy updates, wellness information, and procedural changes—through email, the intranet, and departmental meetings.
• Support special projects as assigned, including policy reviews, system implementations, or organisational change efforts.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive employee data, performance issues, or personal circumstances.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline from a recognised university.
• Full membership in the Institute of Human Resource Management (CHRP(K)) is mandatory.
• Minimum of five years of progressive HR experience, with at least two years in an employee relations or similar advisory capacity.
• Demonstrated understanding of Kenyan labour laws, regulatory compliance, and best practices in workplace investigations.
• Proven ability to mediate disputes and negotiate positive outcomes while remaining impartial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to explain complex policies to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to assess situations and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Proficiency in HR information systems and database management; ability to generate reports and track metrics.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential matters.
• Experience in an academic or higher education setting is an added advantage.

What We Offer / Why Join

This opportunity places you at the heart of a modern, progressive, and multicultural institution where HR directly shapes the employee experience and institutional success. You will work with a collaborative team, engage with diverse stakeholders across academic and non-academic units, and contribute to meaningful change in a respected university environment.