Employee Relations Manager at Watu Credit Limited

Employee Relations Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Employee Relations Strategy that aligns with organizational goals and promotes positive working relationships.
• Lead negotiations and dialogue to balance organizational needs with employee demands, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Collaborate with management to design and implement strategies that address employee concerns and organizational expectations.
• Legal Compliance & Policy Development
• Ensure all employee relations practices comply with Kenyan labor laws and regulations.
• Provide expertise on legal considerations during all stages of the employment relationship, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and termination.
• Develop, update, and interpret HR policies and procedures to reflect legal requirements and best practices.
• Improving Work Conditions & Employee Engagement
• Assess current working conditions and recommend improvements in areas such as pay, benefits, work-life balance, and employee well-being.
• Design and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement, including community-building activities, incentives, rewards, and professional development programs.
• Advocate for a positive work environment by addressing critical areas of the employee lifecycle.
• Conflict Resolution & Advisory Support
• Facilitate constructive dialogue between employees and management on employment-related issues.
• Counsel managers and employees on handling workplace conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as a mediator in conflict resolution to maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Monitoring & Evaluation of Employee Relations Efforts
• Monitor the impact of employee relations programs, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
• Analyze trends and metrics to propose data-driven recommendations for improving policies and processes.
• Discipline & Performance Management
• Manage employee discipline and performance improvement processes in collaboration with HR and business leaders.
• Partner with supervisors to develop and implement corrective actions and performance-based initiatives.
• Employee Advocacy & Communication
• Educate and communicate with employees about policies, benefits, and workplace expectations to foster understanding and alignment.
• Act as an advocate for employees while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Proactively mitigate potential risks related to employee dissatisfaction or conflicts.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Investigate and resolve cases of employee dissatisfaction, misconduct, or workplace issues.
• Collaborate with management on workforce planning and skills assessments to support organizational growth.
• Participate in HR-related projects and initiatives as assigned by the Head of HR.

Requirements

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law, or related field.
• Certification in Employee Relations, HR Management, or Labor Law is highly preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in employee relations, labor law, or HR policy development.
• Demonstrated expertise in Kenyan labor laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to lead negotiations and resolve conflicts effectively.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of labor law, employment policies, and HR best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to evaluate complex employee relations issues.
• Leadership and conflict resolution skills to manage sensitive situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in workforce planning and organizational development.
• Familiarity with HR tools and systems for tracking employee relations metrics.
• Project management skills for handling multiple HR initiatives.