Employee Relations Manager

Our Purpose:
At Watu Africa, we empower entrepreneurs.
WATU is a mission-driven, customer-centric company that believes that every entrepreneur deserves an
opportunity to start, grow and achieve their goals in life. As Africa’s fastest-growing Asset Finance
company, we see the continent’s bright and prosperous future and want to be part of the team transforming
it into reality. We, therefore, have a commitment to Empower Entrepreneurs by providing the means needed
to move and improve in their lives.
Job Summary:
The Employee Relations Manager plays a critical role in fostering trust between the organization and its
employees. This position is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to maintain positive
working relationships, ensure compliance with labor laws, and promote an engaging work environment. The
role involves advising management on complex employee relations matters, developing HR policies, and
driving initiatives that balance employee needs with organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
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.
If qualified and interested in joining our team please submit your resume  by 11th February 2025.