Chief People Officer (CPO)

Chief People Officer (CPO)Accessible Publishers Limited, one of Nigeria's leading educational publishing and printing companies, invites applications from visionary leaders for the position of Chief People Officer.This executive role presents a unique opportunity to architect the people strategy of a dynamic publishing enterprise that integrates creativity, technology, and operational excellence in serving the publishing ecosystem across Africa.Position OverviewThe Chief People Officer will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic direction for all aspects of human capital development, organizational culture, and workplace excellence. This role champions the company's most valuable asset—its people—while driving digital transformation, cultivating high-performance teams, and ensuring that talent strategy becomes a competitive advantage aligned with enterprise-wide growth objectives.The ideal candidate will be a transformational leader with a high understanding of the publishing and printing industry, exceptional strategic thinking capabilities, and demonstrated expertise in managing diverse categories of employees from creative professionals and skilled technicians to press operators and support staff—while fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership Architect and execute comprehensive people strategies that directly support business objectives and drive sustainable competitive advantageServe as a trusted advisor to the Executive Management Team on all matters relating to organizational effectiveness, talent optimization, and cultural transformationLead the digital transformation of HR operations, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance employee experience and operational efficiencyChampion organizational change initiatives that position the company for future growth and market leadershipTalent Acquisition & DevelopmentDesign and oversee strategic talent acquisition programs that attract exceptional professionals across all organizational levelsDevelop onboarding frameworks that accelerate new hire integration and productivityCreate comprehensive succession planning and leadership development pipelines to ensure organizational continuityImplement targeted retention strategies that reduce turnover and preserve critical institutional knowledgePerformance Excellence & AnalyticsLeverage advanced people analytics and predictive modeling to inform strategic workforce planning and investment decisionsDesign and implement performance management systems that drive accountability, recognize excellence, and align individual contributions with corporate goalsEstablish meaningful KPIs and success metrics across all departments that enhance productivity and business outcomesUtilize data-driven insights to continuously optimize HR programs and demonstrate measurable ROIPolicy & GovernanceFormulate progressive HR policies and compliance frameworks that balance organizational needs with employee welfare and legal requirementsEnsure adherence to all statutory obligations including labor laws, pension regulations, tax compliance, and industry-specific requirementsDevelop and maintain compensation and benefits structures that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with market standardsCreate robust employee relations frameworks that promote fairness, transparency, and trustLearning, Development & CultureDesign and implement enterprise-wide learning and development programs that build critical capabilities and promote continuous growthEstablish knowledge management systems that capture, preserve, and transfer institutional expertise across the organizationCultivate a high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, mutual respect, and professional excellenceChampion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that leverage the full potential of a diverse workforceAdministrative ExcellenceProvide executive oversight of all administrative operations including facilities management, logistics, workplace services, and employee welfare programsOptimize resource allocation and operational processes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectivenessEnsure world-class workplace standards that promote productivity, safety, and employee wellbeingManage complex employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes with integrity and sound judgmentQualifications and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Psychology, or related fieldA master's degree or MBA in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.Minimum of five (5) years of progressive senior leadership experience in strategic HR roles preferably within the publishing, printing, media, manufacturing, or related creative industriesMembership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Nigeria at Associate or Fellow level is mandatoryDemonstrated expertise in implementing HR technology platforms, HRIS systems, and digital transformation initiativesProven track record in developing and executing people strategies that deliver measurable business impactDeep experience in policy formulation, organizational design, and change management at scaleCore CompetenciesStrategic & Business AcumenExecutive-level strategic thinking and business partnership capabilitiesDeep understanding of publishing and printing industry dynamics, challenges, and opportunitiesFinancial literacy and ability to translate people strategies into business outcomesDigital Leadership & InnovationExpertise in HR technology ecosystems, HRIS platforms, and digital transformation methodologiesAdvanced proficiency in people analytics, workforce modeling, and predictive analysisInnovation mindset with ability to leverage emerging technologies for competitive advantage|Talent & Organizational DevelopmentStrategic talent management across the complete employee lifecycleExpertise in succession planning, leadership development, and high-potential identificationKnowledge retention strategies and organizational learning architecturePeople Leadership ExcellenceExceptional ability to lead, inspire, and develop diverse teams across skill levelsSuperior emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivityChange leadership and organizational transformation expertiseTechnical ExpertisePolicy development, governance, and regulatory compliance masteryPerformance management system design and implementationCompensation strategy and total rewards optimizationAdvanced conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skillsCommunication & InfluenceOutstanding executive communication and presentation capabilitiesAbility to influence and build consensus at all organizational levelsStrong stakeholder management and relationship-building skillsWhy Join Us?At Accessible Publishers Limited, you will join the executive leadership of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, excellence, and professional growth. We provide an environment where professionals thrive, contribute meaningfully, and help redefine educational publishing and printing standards across Africa. This is an opportunity to shape corporate culture, develop exceptional talent, and contribute to a legacy of excellence.Application ProcedureQualified candidates should submit the following to recruitment@accessiblepublishers.com with the subject line "Application for Chief People Officer":A detailed executive CV highlighting strategic HR leadership accomplishments and measurable business impactAn executive cover letter articulating your vision for the people function in a modern publishing and printing enterprise, including specific examples of transformation initiatives you have ledValid CIPM membership certificate (Associate or Fellow level) or evidence of current registrationContact details for three (3) professional references, including at least one C-suite executiveApplication Deadline: November 30, 2025Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Accessible Publishers Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.