Human Resources (HR) Manager

Job Description: HR Manager

Location: Kano, Nigeria

Industry: Rice Milling / Food Production

Level: Manager – Senior Manager

About the Client
The Firm is a rapidly expanding agro‑processing company committed to delivering high‑quality rice products to local and international markets. With a strong focus on operational excellence, product quality, and sustainable growth, our Client is entering a new phase of scale that requires robust people systems, structured HR operations, and a unified organizational culture. As the company expands through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, it seeks an HR Manager who can build HR structures from the ground up, integrate newly acquired entities, and drive a people strategy that supports profitability, efficiency, and long‑term sustainability.

Role Overview
The HR Manager will lead the development, implementation, and optimization of HR systems, policies, and processes across the business. This role requires a hands‑on builder who has experience setting up HR functions in manufacturing, rice milling, or food production environments. The HR Manager will also play a critical role in mergers and acquisitions—standardizing people operations, harmonizing policies, and ensuring smooth cultural integration. The ideal candidate is strategic, operationally strong, and passionate about building a high‑performance workforce in a production‑driven environment.

Why This Role Is Critical
This role exists to:
Build HR structures, systems, and processes from scratch
Standardize people operations across multiple business units and acquired entities
Strengthen workforce productivity, discipline, and capability in a production environment
Support business growth, profitability, and sustainability through strategic HR initiatives
Ensure compliance, workforce stability, and operational efficiency
Drive cultural alignment and organizational cohesion during expansion and M&A activities
The HR Manager will directly influence the company's ability to scale effectively and maintain operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
1. HR Structure & Systems Development
Design and implement HR policies, SOPs, and frameworks tailored to a rice mill/food production environment.
Build HR processes covering recruitment, onboarding, performance management, learning, compensation, and employee relations.
Establish HR documentation, reporting structures, and compliance systems.
2. Mergers & Acquisitions (People Integration)
Lead HR due diligence, workforce assessments, and cultural diagnostics during acquisitions.
Standardize HR policies, job structures, compensation frameworks, and performance systems across entities.
Manage change communication, workforce alignment, and integration plans.
3. Workforce Planning & Talent Management
Develop workforce plans aligned with production cycles and operational needs.
Lead recruitment for factory, technical, and administrative roles.
Implement capability‑building programs to strengthen workforce productivity and technical competence.
4. Employee Relations & Culture Building
Build a disciplined, performance‑driven culture across factory and administrative teams.
Manage employee grievances, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

5. Performance Management & Productivity Optimization
Implement performance management systems that drive output, efficiency, and quality.
Track KPIs across departments and support managers in performance coaching.
Align performance outcomes with rewards, recognition, and career development.
6. HR Operations & Compliance
Ensure compliance with labour laws, food production regulations, and internal policies.
Manage payroll coordination, attendance systems, and HR data accuracy.
Prepare HR reports, analytics, and insights for senior leadership.

Who Will Thrive in This Role
This role is ideal for someone who:
Has built HR systems from scratch in a manufacturing or food production environment
Understands the realities of factory operations, workforce discipline, and productivity management
Is comfortable working in Kano and engaging with factory‑floor employees daily
Thrives in environments undergoing growth, restructuring, or acquisitions
Is both strategic and hands‑on, able to design frameworks and execute them
Communicates clearly, manages change effectively, and builds trust across all levels
Is passionate about building sustainable people structures that support long‑term business success

Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or related field
8 years HR experience, with at least 3 years in food production, rice milling, FMCG, or manufacturing
Proven experience building HR systems and structures from scratch
Experience in mergers & acquisitions, HR due diligence, and integration
Strong knowledge of Nigerian labour laws and factory workforce management
Excellent leadership, communication, and change‑management skills
Strong analytical, documentation, and process‑building capabilities
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment

Success Evaluation Metrics
Success in this role will be measured by:
HR Structure Implementation: Completion and adoption of HR systems, policies, and SOPs
Workforce Stability: Reduced turnover, improved attendance, and stronger workforce discipline
Productivity & Performance: Improved output, efficiency, and KPI achievement across departments
M&A Integration: Successful harmonization of policies, culture, and people operations across acquired entities
Compliance: Zero compliance breaches and strong audit readiness
Talent Capability: Improved workforce skills, reduced skill gaps, and stronger leadership pipeline
Employee Engagement: Improved communication, reduced grievances, and stronger organizational culture

A Compelling Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to shape the HR foundation of a growing rice mill operation. The HR Manager will influence strategy, build systems that last, and play a central role in integrating new business units as the company expands. For a builder, strategist, and people‑focused leader, this role offers both challenge and impact.