HR Lead

Job Description: HR Lead

Function: Human Resources

Reports to: Head of Human Resources

About S&S

S&S is a vertically integrated textile solutions provider based in Ruiru, Kenya. We design, produce, and distribute a vast array of textile consumer solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa under our brands, butterfly®, textyle® and Asili.

Our purpose is to Empower Africa’s Potential and Authenticity. We are a team of purpose-driven individuals committed to providing exceptional, proactive solutions that make our customers feel valued and fulfilled. We strive to add value in all we do, with the customer always at the heart of our actions.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join S&S, a vertically integrated textile solutions provider, as our HR Lead, playing a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience and fostering a positive, productive workplace culture. Based in Ruiru, Kenya, you will be at the heart of our operations, managing labour relations, employee welfare, grievance handling, and disciplinary processes for our production workforce. Reporting to the Head of Human Resources & Administration, you will lead a dedicated team and serve as a trusted bridge between employees, union representatives, and management. If you are a purpose-driven HR professional with deep knowledge of Kenyan labour laws, a passion for people, and a commitment to empowering Africa's potential, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Core Responsibilities

Labour Relations

• Recruitment of production employees, implementing & maintaining the Company's labour relations programs, policies and procedures to promote a positive and productive working environment.
• Responsible for day-to-day affairs of the employees and their welfare by coordinating with department managers and shop stewards.
• Individual and collective grievance handling, disciplinary actions up to and including release in line with CBA & labour laws, and mainly counselling & guidance on work-related and emerging domestic issues to ensure optimized output.

Employee Placement and Guidance

• Identify and fill the recruitment needs in various Production teams in liaison with the Head of Production/Department Managers and the HRD Team.
• Counselling & guidance on work-related and emerging domestic issues to ensure optimized output.

Employee Records Management

• Management of employees' files to ensure timely updating in all respects, i.e., wage adjustments, annual leave, sick leave, and disciplinary records.
• Oversee preparation and issuance of employment contracts in conjunction with Legal & Regulatory Compliance to ensure alignment with current Kenyan Labour laws.

Dispute Resolution

• Resolving escalated issues arising from operations that require coordination with other departments.
• Providing inputs to strategic decisions that affect the Human Resource Functions and the Company at large.
• Work closely with the Compliance Lead during the release and implementation of emerging labour-related requirements, including preparation and attendance of court for adducing evidence on such.

Key Deliverables

Industrial Relations and Workforce Management

• Dealing with Union Branch Secretary on informal disputes to address concerns and maintain a harmonious work environment.
• Opening and maintaining employees/staff files during employment and ensuring safe custody of the same for six years after exit as a legal requirement.
• Deliver clear and concise communication to all employees on matters related to labour relations policies, procedures, and updates. Ensure that new joiners are familiar with Company policy.
• Ensure identified recruitment needs in Production Teams are efficiently handled.
• Support the Head of HRM and Regulatory Affairs in negotiating the CBA with the union by offering actionable and timely insight.

Optimum Grievance Handling

• Lead the grievance handling process, including investigation, resolution, and documentation, in a fair and legal manner and build the capacity of function heads to effectively address disciplinary matters while adhering to company policies and legal requirements. Enable profitability by mitigating employee-related risks to productivity by 80%.
• Dealing with minor issues and complaints raised by the local community on our employees.

WIBA- Workmen Compensation Management

• Lead and monitor the WIBA and Workmen Compensation process by ensuring effective compensation for workplace injuries and accidents through timely and accurate handling of claims and adherence to relevant regulations. Complete internal injuries investigation process within one day.

Key Accountabilities

• Hiring of and terminating shop floor employees up to the level of Chargehand within the production function
• Dispute resolution between employees and management (below Supervisor) within S&S
• Enforcement of CBA/HR Policy on attendance, performance, absence, leave, and Sackoff’s
• Renewal of employment for contract employees
• Counselling employees on financial and mental wellbeing

Key Competencies & Qualities

• Good knowledge of Labor Law and Regulations of Kenya
• Ethics and Integrity
• Negotiation and Mediation
• Collaboration and People Relations
• Conflict Resolution and Change Management

WIBA - Workmen Compensation Management

WIBA- Oversee the effective process of compensation against workplace injuries/accidents and resolve issues satisfactorily, ensuring the Company's interests.

Our Expectations

At S&S, we look for individuals who don't just do a job, but who live our values. You will be expected to:

• Understand and passionately execute the Company's strategy.
• Be commercially focused and driven by customer growth.
• Be a collaborative problem-solver and a supportive team player.
• Ultimately, be self-driven and accountable for realizing the company's goals.