Human Resources Compliance Manager

Location: Kilifi, Kenya (on-site)Reports to: CEODirect reports: HR/Payroll clerk (as needed), training coordinators (ad-hoc)Department: People & ComplianceRole purposeBuild a high-performance, compliant, and values-driven team for Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Beneath the Baobabs. Own the full HR cycle and ensure 100% of all business licenses & statutory permits are valid, paid, and displayed on time.Key outcomes (first 90 days)Compliance: 100% of required licenses/permits renewed and filed (county & national). Zero expiries.People Ops: All staff on valid contracts and files; leave balances and schedules accurate.Discipline & culture: Clear disciplinary matrix in use; lateness/no-shows <2% of shifts; PIPs running for under-performers.Training: Monthly skills plan live (service standards, safety, cash handling).Hiring: Critical vacancies filled within 21 days (from approval to offer).Core responsibilities1) HR administration & employee lifecycleDraft/issue contracts, addenda, JD library, job offers, confirmations, and terminations per Kenyan law.Maintain personnel files, next of kin, ID/KRA/NSSF/NHIF documentation, medical fitness, and emergency contacts.Run onboarding (policy sign-off, orientation, buddy program) and offboarding (clearance, exit interview, asset return).Manage leave (policy, balances, black-out dates), rotas, and attendance (biometrics or register); escalate anomalies.2) Performance, discipline & cultureOwn the disciplinary process (verbal/written warnings, hearings, terminations) aligned to Employment Act.Implement scorecards per role; run monthly performance reviews with HODs; place staff on PIPs where needed.Plan and track training: service standards, food safety, bar yield, guest recovery, first aid, fire safety.3) Payroll coordination & controlsPrepare payroll inputs (attendance, overtime, allowances, deductions); reconcile with Assistant Accountant.Ensure timely PAYE, NSSF, NHIF remittances; maintain confidentiality and audit trails.Monitor headcount & overtime budgets by department; flag variances weekly.4) Recruitment & employer brandingRun end-to-end recruitment: JDs, adverts, shortlisting, interviews, reference checks, offers.Maintain a talent bench for critical roles; coordinate trade tests (e.g., bartender pour test, cook line test).5) Health, safety & welfareCoordinate OSHA 2007 compliance: safety committee, risk assessments, drills, PPE, incident logs, WIBA claims process.Ensure food-handler certificates and medical checks are current for kitchen/bar staff.6) Licensing & permits (full ownership)Maintain a Compliance Calendar with renewal dates, fees, and issuing authorities; circulate monthly reminders.Apply, renew, file, and display (where required) all licenses/permits, including (as applicable):Single Business Permit (County)Tourism Regulatory Authority classification/registration (if applicable)Public Health & Food Handler certificatesMusic licensing (MCSK/Prisk/Kamp as applicable)Liquor license (County)Fire safety certificate & equipment service tagsNEMA (where applicable) and OSHA complianceSignage permits, pool license (if applicable), events permitsTrack and close any inspection actions; represent the lodge with authorities professionally.7) Policy, documentation & systemsKeep the Employee Handbook current (code of conduct, leave, lateness, tips, grievances, harassment).Set up simple HRIS/records (even Google Workspace + shared drive with access control).Produce weekly people report (headcount, open roles, warnings/PIPs, trainings, incidents) and monthly compliance report.KPIs (measured monthly)Licenses/permits validity: 100% up-to-date; zero expiries.Time-to-fill critical roles: ≤21 days.Attendance reliability: no-show/lateness ≤2% of shifts.Training completion: ≥90% of scheduled sessions completed.Disciplinary SLAs: 100% cases actioned within policy timelines.Audit findings: 0 major repeats on county/health/fire inspections.Qualifications & experience4–7+ years in HR for hospitality/retail/F&B, including disciplinary hearings and terminations.Proven experience handling county/national licensing and regulator interactions.Solid working knowledge of Kenyan Employment Act 2007, Labour Relations Act, OSHA 2007, WIBA, NSSF/NHIF/PAYE.Strong recruitment, training coordination, and HR administration skills.Confident, fair, and firm communicator in English and Kiswahili.Skills & traitsHigh integrity, discretion, and follow-through.Process builder: can turn chaos into clear SOPs and enforce them.Data-minded: comfortable with trackers, dashboards, and simple analytics.Conflict resolution and coaching mindset; calm under pressure.Comfortable representing the business with inspectors and authorities.ToolsGoogle Workspace (Docs/Sheets/Drive), WhatsApp Business, basic HRIS or shared trackers, biometrics/attendance app, incident log.Work scheduleFull-time on-site; duty manager support on rota for major events/evenings (as needed).Compensation Monthly Gross salary range between 70,000-90,000kes depending on experience.