Assistant HR Manager (Hospitality)

Job Purpose

To lead and manage all Human Resource functions for safari lodge/camp operations in Masai Mara, ensuring legal compliance, effective workforce planning, high staff engagement, and service excellence, while supporting both local and expatriate employees in a remote hospitality environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Operations & Administration

Oversee end-to-end HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, contracts, payroll coordination, leave management, and employee records.

Ensure accurate maintenance of personnel files in compliance with Kenya Employment Act, 2007 and Data Protection Act, 2019.

Manage staff rosters, headcount planning, and seasonal workforce requirements.

Coordinate accommodation, staff welfare facilities, and camp-based HR logistics.

2. Recruitment & Workforce Planning

Manage recruitment for hospitality roles including lodge managers, chefs, F&B staff, guides, housekeeping, maintenance, and support staff.

Liaise with local community leaders and conservancies for community hiring and local employment quotas.

Manage expatriate recruitment, work permit coordination, and compliance with Kenya Immigration regulations.

Control recruitment costs and reduce turnover through effective manpower planning.

3. Employee Relations & Labour Compliance

Act as the primary point of contact for employee relations, grievance handling, and disciplinary processes.

Ensure fair application of company policies, CBAs (if applicable), and labour laws.

Handle disciplinary hearings, terminations, and dispute resolution professionally.

Represent the company during labour inspections or audits.

4. Performance Management & Productivity

Implement performance appraisal systems aligned to hospitality service standards.

Support departmental heads in setting KPIs and productivity benchmarks.

Identify underperformance issues and recommend corrective actions or training.

5. Training & Development

Coordinate training programs on:

Hospitality service excellence

Guest experience standards

Health, safety, and hygiene

HR compliance and leadership development

Identify training needs and support staff career progression.

Ensure induction programs for new joiners and seasonal staff.

6. Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Coordination

Support payroll processing by ensuring accurate attendance, overtime, and leave data.

Manage benefits including medical cover, meals, accommodation, uniforms, and statutory deductions (NSSF, NHIF, PAYE).

Benchmark wages against hospitality industry standards in Kenya.

7. Health, Safety & Staff Welfare

Ensure compliance with OSHA, 2007 and hospitality safety standards.

Promote staff wellbeing, mental health, and work-life balance in remote locations.

Coordinate staff medical emergencies and welfare initiatives.

Support camp risk management and emergency preparedness.

8. Policy Development & HR Reporting

Develop, review, and enforce HR policies, SOPs, and employee handbook.

Prepare monthly HR reports covering:

Headcount and turnover

Absenteeism and discipline

Training and performance

Labour cost analysis

Provide HR insights to management and board as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Staff turnover rate

Time to fill vacancies

Labour cost vs revenue ratio

Compliance audit results

Employee engagement and satisfaction scores

Training completion rate