Human Resource Manager at ManPower Services

Job purpose

The HR Manager will lead and manage all human resources functions covering both teaching and non-teaching staff (100+ employees). The role ensures effective recruitment, on-boarding, staff development, performance management, employee relations, compliance with Kenyan legislation and safeguarding requirements, and delivery of a positive working environment that supports high-quality teaching and learning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR leadership

Develop and implement the school’s HR strategy aligned to the school’s vision, strategic plan and annual objectives.

Advise senior leadership and the Board on workforce planning, salary structure, staff budget and HR cost control.

Recruitment & selection

Lead end-to-end recruitment for teaching and support roles (job design, adverts, shortlisting, interviewing, offers).

Ensure safer-recruitment checks for all staff and volunteers (Certificate of Good Conduct/police checks, ID verification, qualification checks, references).

Support succession planning and internal talent pipelines.

On-boarding & induction

Manage induction programmes for new hires (school culture, safeguarding, policies, role expectations).

Ensure timely preparation and issuance of contracts, appointment letters, and staff records.

Coordinate CPD, in-service training and career development pans; maintain training records and measure impact on teaching quality.

Compensation & benefits/Payroll coordination

Maintain up-to-date pay records; work with Finance or payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.

Ensure statutory deductions and contributions (PAYE/KRA, NSSF, NHIF/SHA) are correctly applied and remitted.

Advise on salary benchmarking and benefits packages as required.

Employee relations, wellbeing & staff engagement

Promote positive staff relations; provide confidential HR advice to managers and staff.

Manage disciplinary, grievance and capability processes fairly and in accordance with police and Kenyan law.

Proactively lead staff engagement and welfare activities, including;

A regular staff bulletin (e.g. weekly or fortnightly) communicating important news, policy updates, training opportunities and recognition.

Designing, implementing and coordinating staff happiness and welfare initiatives (wellness programs, recognition schemes, staff support mechanisms).

Conducting an annual staff happiness/wellbeing survey, analyzing results and presenting action plans to senior leadership and the Board.

Maintain and report on staff welfare metrics and follow-up actions.

HR Policy, compliance and governance

Develop, review and maintain HR policies and procedures (including Safeguarding/Child Protection, Code of Conduct, Leave, Maternity / Paternity, Absence Management).

Ensure compliance with Kenyan employment legislation and education sector requirements.

Prepare HR reports for the Principal and Board (staff establishment, turnover, absenteeism, training metrics and engagement outcomes).

Employee records & HR systems

Maintain accurate personnel records (electronic and paper) in compliance with data protection / confidentiality standards.

Implement and maintain an HRIS or personnel database to manage staff information, contracts, leave, appraisals and training.

Health &safety and safeguarding

Work with the designated Child Protection Officer and Site/ Operations team to ensure staff compliance with safeguarding and H&S requirements.

Ensure all staff receive appropriate child-protection training and refreshers.

Exits & off boarding

Manage resignation, termination and redundancy processes including exit interviews, clearance, final payments and return of school property; use exit data to inform retention strategies.

Line management

Manage and develop direct HR staff (e.g. HR Officer, HR Administrator), ensuring consistent, responsive HR service delivery through the academic year.

Qualifications & experience

Bachelors degree in HRM, Business Administration, Education Administration or related field.

Professional HR qualification preferred (CPID, SHRM or recognized local equivalent).

Minimum 5-7 years HR experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory/ managerial role.

Prior experience in the education sector or organizations of similar scale (100+ employees) desirable.

Sound knowledge of Kenyan employment law, statutory deductions and compliance.

Experience with HRIS and payroll systems; strong MS Office skills.

Key skills & attributes

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage with teaching staff, parents, management and external stakeholders.

High integrity, confidentiality and professional judgment – child centered and safeguarding focused.

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Good negotiation, conflict-resolution and coaching skills.

Analytical and data-driven; able to present HR metrics and engagement survey findings.

Proactive, solutions-focused and calm under pressure.

Performance indicators

Time-to-fill for key teaching vacancies.

Annual staff turnover rate.

Percentage of staff with completed annual appraisals.

Compliance rate for statutory remittances and background checks.

Number of staff CPD hour per term/year and training satisfaction.

Staff bulletin frequency and distribution metrics.

Annual staff happiness survey response rate and improvement on key wellbeing indicators year-on-year.

Number and impact of staff welfare initiatives implemented.

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