SBM Bank (Kenya) Ltd stands as a reputable financial institution with a global presence and a growing footprint in Kenya’s dynamic banking landscape. As part of SBM Holdings Ltd—headquartered in Mauritius—SBM Bank Kenya is committed to delivering an exceptional banking experience to its Mass Affluent, Business Banking, and Corporate clients. We are also an Authorized Depository and Securities Dealer, licensed by the Capital Markets Authority.
As we pursue our strategic growth objectives, we seek to strengthen our leadership by hiring a seasoned professional to join us as the Director, Human Resources. This role will be instrumental in shaping the culture and operational excellence of the Bank by ensuring a high-performing and agile workforce.
About the Role: Director, Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
The Director, Human Resources is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the entire HR function at SBM Bank Kenya. The position holder will lead the human resources strategy, workforce planning, employee relations, learning and development, talent acquisition, performance management, and HR governance.
This is a critical leadership position that demands an individual with demonstrated expertise in organizational development, strategic thinking, and the ability to align HR initiatives with business goals.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy Development and Implementation
- Develop and execute a high-impact HR strategy aligned with the overall Bank strategy.
- Advise executives and employees on key HR trends and emerging practices.
- Build and sustain business partnerships that ensure successful HR strategy execution.
- Establish and monitor the HR business plan, and promote a diverse, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
- Prepare the HR budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to HR initiatives.
2. Talent Management
- Lead identification, development, retention, and placement of high-potential talent.
- Drive executive and leadership coaching programs.
- Manage recruitment processes for critical leadership roles.
- Conduct capability assessments and recommend innovative workforce planning strategies.
- Design and implement onboarding programs to ensure seamless integration of new hires.
- Execute leadership pipeline programs and career development frameworks.
- Supervise the implementation of succession planning across the Bank.
3. Performance Management
- Lead implementation of the Bank’s performance management system.
- Build a performance-driven culture through clear goal-setting and regular evaluations.
- Develop rigorous candidate evaluation and selection procedures.
- Establish employee retention frameworks for top-performing staff.
- Align performance management with organizational goals and leadership competencies.
4. Employee Relations
- Provide leadership in resolving employee relations issues and maintaining industrial harmony.
- Lead in the negotiation and implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and manage disputes.
- Offer expert advice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, upholding legal and ethical standards.
- Foster a healthy workplace culture by promoting engagement and alignment with organizational values.
5. Learning and Development
- Develop a strategic learning framework including a structured learning calendar and individual learning journeys.
- Promote continuous professional development using the 70:20:10 learning model.
- Design and execute an organization-wide training plan based on needs analysis.
- Develop competency frameworks and integrate them into employee development plans.
- Manage training budgets and learning vendors to ensure delivery of impactful programs.
6. HR Governance and Compliance
- Oversee HR quality assurance to ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure the effective operation of OSHA committees and close out audit items in coordination with relevant departments.
- Lead periodic review of HR policies and procedures to align with best practices.
- Maintain staff compliance with statutory obligations, including vetting and reference checks.
- Serve as the custodian of HR committee minutes and action points.
- Support Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery initiatives.
7. Leadership Reporting and Analytics
- Prepare reports and presentations for the Executive Committee, HR Committee, and Remuneration Committee (REMCO).
- Provide actionable insights using HR analytics to drive data-informed decision-making.
- Implement internal controls and conduct audits for key HR functions.
- Maintain close relationships with HR service providers, internal departments, and external stakeholders to support the Bank’s HR objectives.
Skills and Competencies
- Proven leadership and people management skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication capabilities with a strategic mindset.
- Deep knowledge of HR practices, labor laws, and compliance frameworks.
- Business and financial acumen to align HR priorities with broader organizational goals.
- Demonstrated ability to manage change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Analytical capabilities to interpret HR data and derive actionable strategies.
- Commitment to ethical standards, diversity, and organizational integrity.
Application Process
Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A cover letter clearly stating suitability for the role
Application Deadline: 29th April 2025
Submit to: [email protected]
Applications should be addressed to:
The Chief Executive Officer
SBM Bank Kenya Ltd
P.O. Box 34886-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Important Note:
This job advertisement has been developed for clear, comprehensive communication of the Director, Human Resources vacancy. For additional information and detailed job specifications, please refer to the attached PDF document.
Apply Now
Take this opportunity to lead the human capital function of a high-performing financial institution and play a key role in transforming its workforce. If you are passionate about shaping the future of banking talent in Kenya, we welcome your application.
