Head of Employee Relations & HR Services at SBM Bank

Job Summary

The overall purpose of this role is to lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies and processes to foster positive employee relations within the Bank with key responsibilities being managing employee relations cases, developing communication strategies and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations - 70%

• Develop and implement strategies to foster positive relationships between employees and the business.
• Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on employee related matters, including conflict resolution, performance management and employee engagement.
• In liaison with the Forensic Department and other concerned Departments, line managers and staff, investigate or coordinate the investigation of staff cases relating to disciplinary and grievance matters.
• Participate as the Bank’s lead in the KBA - CBA negotiations, implementation and any trade disputes that may arise within the Bank and the Industry.
• Represent the Bank in the Employment & Labour Relations Court & Conciliations over labour related matters and case management and ensure least exposure.
• Participate and influence key working groups, committees, internal/external bodies shaping future policy areas of employment relations.
• Remain up to date with local legislative changes and developments, building external networks and knowledge, to be viewed both internally and externally as an expert in the ER field.
• Manage employee discipline and performance improvement processes

Policy Development:

• Partner with the HR Director and Risk Department to craft and update policies governing employee and industrial relations.
• Ensure all HR policies are compliant with legal standards and aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor emerging trends and legislative shifts in Employee Relations and recommend proactive policy responses in collaboration with senior management.

 Compliance:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws, labor regulations, and industry-specific guidelines to ensure organizational compliance.
• Ensure adherence to legal requirements across all HR functions, including fair employment practices, equal opportunity and labor standards.
• Provide expert guidance to management and staff on employment-related issues such as workplace policies, benefits administration, and performance management.
• Support the development and implementation of compliant HR practices that align with both legal mandates and business objectives.

 Grievance Management & Conflict Resolution:

• Address employee grievances, complaints, and workplace concerns with fairness, confidentiality, and objectivity.
• Lead investigations into grievance-related matters, facilitate dispute resolution processes, and recommend appropriate corrective or preventive actions.
• Serve as an advocate and trusted resource for employees, ensuring their rights are upheld and concerns are resolved constructively.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on complex employee relations issues, balancing organizational goals with legal and ethical considerations.
• Represent the Bank in labor court proceedings, Ministry of Labour conciliations, and industry-level engagements through the Kenya Bankers Association.

 Occupational Health & Safety:

• Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant workplace safety regulations.
• Maintain, review, and recommend improvements to OHS policies and procedures to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
• Communicate OHS policies effectively across the organization and provide guidance to employees on safety protocols and responsibilities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, fostering a culture of safety and well-being.

 Employee Communication Management & Employee Engagement:

• Design and implement communication strategies that keep employees informed and engaged on organizational changes, policies and labor-related developments.
• Develop and deliver targeted training programs for managers and staff on key topics including employee relations, conflict resolution, company policies, employment laws, and HR procedures.
• Foster a culture of awareness, accountability, and compliance by collaborating with internal stakeholders across departments.
• Ensure consistent messaging and learning initiatives that reinforce organizational values and legal obligations.

 Business Partnership & Strategic Collaboration:

• Cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with business leaders, managers, and employees across the organization.
• Actively engage with stakeholders through regular business meetings and collaborative projects to understand operational needs and provide strategic HR insights.
• Influence decision-making by aligning Employee Relations initiatives with broader organizational objectives and business priorities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, leveraging deep HR expertise to guide leadership on workforce strategy, change management, and employee engagement.

Human Resources Services - 30%

• Oversee management of physical and digital HR records, ensuring compliance with legal and internal document retention policies.
• Lead the HR Services Team in delivering payroll, benefits administration, and general HR support with efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure timely and responsive delivery of HR services to all staff across the organization.
• Champion optimal utilization of the HRMIS platform, maintaining accurate and up-to-date employee data.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives to foster a motivated and connected workforce.
• Develop and implement staff welfare policies that promote a positive work environment and enhance employee experience.
• Administer staff insurance programs, including medical and group life coverage.
• Generate HR reports, conduct data analysis, and manage statutory returns in line with regulatory requirements.

Key Relationships:

Direct Reports to this Position - 4

Customers of this Position

• Members of staff
• Service Providers
• External Stakeholders - Ministry of Labour, KBA, BIFU, FKE
• External and Internal Auditors

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience required for this Role

Role Knowledge:

• Labour Unions & Collective Bargaining Understanding
• Policy development skills
• Sound knowledge of the principles and practices of employee labor relations.
• Good understanding and application of employment law and regulations.
• Demonstrable experience executing programs that positively impact employee relations.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize conflicting assignments
• High sense of professionalism and confidentiality
• Mediation, Conflict Resolution & Counselling Skills

Role Experience:

• 10 years’ experience in a busy Human Resources Department
• 5 years’ experience in Employee & Labour Relations preferably in a Banking / Unionized Environment

Educational & Professional requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management or a business-related field from an institution recognized by the Commission for Higher Education.
• Higher Diploma in HR or CHRP
• A full Member of IHRM with an active membership

Competencies required for this Role

Core Competencies:

• Integrity, Confidentiality & Ethics: Upholds the highest standards of professional conduct, trust, and discretion
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds strong relationships and fosters collaboration across all levels
• Communication: Delivers clear, empathetic, and strategic messaging to diverse audiences
• Problem Solving: Approaches challenges with creativity, logic, and a solution-oriented mindset
• Legal & Policy Knowledge: Applies deep understanding of employment law and internal policies to guide decisions
• Coaching & Development: Supports growth and capability-building through mentoring and structured learning
• Negotiation Skills: Navigates complex discussions with tact and influence, especially in labor relations
• Conflict Resolution: Facilitates fair and effective resolution of workplace disputes
• Analytical Skills & Attention to Detail: Interprets data and trends accurately to inform strategic HR actions

Managerial Competencies:

• Resilience: Maintains composure and effectiveness under pressure, adapting to change with agility
• Influence & Persuasion: Shapes outcome through clear reasoning, relationship-building and strategic advocacy
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness and the ability to manage interpersonal dynamics with tact
• Strategic Thinking: Anticipates future trends, aligns HR initiatives with long-term business goals and drives organizational success

Apply

https://www.sbmbank.co.ke/careers/vacanacy/head-of-employee-relations-hr-services