Country HR Manager

About the Role:

Line Manager        : HR Director Africa

Location                 : Douala

No of positions     : 01

Type of contract    : Full Time

The Country HR Manager plays a key role in driving execution and operational excellence in HR in the country, in alignment with the business needs and strategy. Together with Africa HR leadership and the Country Management team, the incumbent identifies the strategic priorities and provides input & leadership into the operational and tactical plans, overseeing as well the day-to-day execution of such plans. This role will also focus on developing and implementing HR policies ensuring compliance with group requirements and applicable laws and regulations and play a critical role in managing a successful Employee Relations agenda.

The role will lead a team of Local HR Business partner and other HR professionals and ensure they bring the right mix of skills and capabilities and contribute to building a robust and diverse leadership pipeline at each level, promoting high-performing and engaged workforce and effective attraction and retention procedures to ensure we have the right people at the right roles. This is an opportunity to truly drive significant and lasting change for our people’s agenda in Africa as a key member of the Africa HR Leadership team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Proactively ensure business units are properly resourced, and HR governance & legal compliance is adhered to
• Support Line Managers on adequate planning resources for their organization in terms of organizational design, capabilities and skills
• Champion and monitor the business’s adherence to mandatory compliance requirements including (SMETA, FDA, Local conformities) & mandatory training requirements
• Identify business and people risks before it escalates and take necessary action
• Drive the understanding of the importance of completing the training or following policies within the regulated timelines
• Advise internal customers and line managers on employee engagement, performance management, talent management and reward
• Track and facilitate Performance cycle, Performance improvement plans, Promotions, Specific training and Development interventions, Annual compensation review and Exits
• Anticipate separations, retirement, and replacement and highlight gaps to the Regional HR Director for people plans and budget for the following year in line with local regulations
• Review overall pay levels for the business unit against market information and incorporate trends identified
• Prepare a proactive annual Employee Relations strategy
• Actively participate in employee relations interventions including bimonthly factory visits.
• Review the merits of new cases and participate in decision making
• Ensure a thorough understanding of all HR processes and policies for the line managers
• Act as a change champion on HR improvements and align with the regional HR project team to deliver them
• Guideline managers across the business on how to interpret and apply the requirements and what the business benefits are of doing so
• Deliver Talent reviews and calibration sessions when required and follow through to complete TR actions in market
• Work with talent managers and functional line managers to provide input into the country’s skills development plans. Coach line managers on how to have career and development discussions with their teams
• Guide and supervise the outsourcing vendors in providing high-quality work and reporting

About You:

• Bachelor Degree is required. Advanced degree in People management or Organizational development is strongly preferred
• Min 10 years of combined experience in HR and deep understanding of the core Human Capital functions including Resourcing, Reward, Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, Diversity and Inclusion, Learning and Development and Organizational Effectiveness
• Proven track record as HRBP & HR Manager in manufacturing or industrial context in an international organization
• Experience of leading a team of HR professionals and experts
•  Ability to understand business strategy and to define the relevant HR agenda Negotiation with unions and staff representatives
• Understanding and clear knowledge of the fundamental and varied labor laws applicable in the market, especially on extended workers management
•  Experience in managing disciplinary cases, workplace conflict, workplace litigation
• Able to consolidate, interpret data and build the necessary analysis and business cases
• Excellent planner and creative use of time and budget
• Solutions driven mindset and ability to demonstrate critical thinking
• Results oriented and passionate about people development
• Ability to develop talent as well as identify and address underperformance
• Fluent in French & English is mandatory
• Commercial acumen and experience of using metrics for driving performance.
• A proactive attitude and a passion for leading with integrity.
• Superior interpersonal skills and a positive, approachable manner.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen and effectively verbalize ideas
• Strong leadership skills to guide an HR team and support and motivate staff through transformation phase as well
• A proactive and agile work ethic.
• A curious mindset, to think innovatively and rationally about concerns and come up with creative solutions
• Experience managing a skilled team and making quick but rational decisions.
• Thorough and methodical attention to detail.
• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and use your initiative.
•  Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Commitment to be an inspiring role model who encourages collaboration.
• Commitment to continual personal development.
• The ability to accept and provide feedback, be challenged on your advice, and work well under pressure.
• Proficient I.T. skills.