People & Operations Lead

People & Operations Lead

Industry: Personal Care Company

Reports To: Managing Director

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full Time | Onsite

Client Overview

Our client is a rapidly growing personal care company committed to delivering high‑quality beauty and wellness products to consumers across Nigeria. With an expanding product portfolio and increasing market demand, the company is entering a critical scale‑up phase. To support this growth, the organization seeks a People & Operations Lead who can build strong people systems, strengthen internal processes, and ensure that the company's workforce and operations are fully aligned with its business goals.

Position Overview
The People & Operations Lead is a strategic yet hands‑on role responsible for shaping the company's people strategy while overseeing day‑to‑day operational and administrative functions. This individual will drive HR initiatives, ensure compliance, support talent development, and optimize internal processes to enable sustainable growth. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with strong HR expertise, operational acumen, and the ability to build structure in a fast‑moving environment.

Key Responsibilities
1. People Strategy & Organizational Development: Develop and execute a people strategy that aligns with the company's growth plans and long‑term vision. Partner with leadership to design organizational structures, workforce plans, and talent roadmaps. Drive initiatives that strengthen company culture, employee engagement, and retention.
2. Policies, Compliance & HR Governance: Develop, update, and enforce HR policies, employee handbooks, and standard operating procedures. Ensure compliance with Nigerian labour laws, health & safety standards, and industry regulations. Oversee employee relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes with fairness and professionalism.

3. Performance Management: Lead the design and implementation of performance management frameworks. Support managers in setting KPIs, conducting reviews, and driving continuous performance improvement. Identify high‑potential employees and support succession planning initiatives.

4. Talent Acquisition & Development: Oversee recruitment processes to attract top talent across production, sales, operations, and corporate roles. Develop onboarding programs that accelerate employee integration and productivity. Lead training and development initiatives, including skills development, leadership training, and career progression pathways.

5. Operational & Administrative Management: Oversee day‑to‑day office operations, ensuring a productive and well‑organized work environment. Manage vendor relationships, facility operations, procurement processes, and administrative workflows. Support operational planning, process optimization, and cross‑functional coordination. Ensure proper documentation, record‑keeping, and operational compliance.

6. Employee Experience & Culture Building: Champion a positive, inclusive, and high‑performance workplace culture. Lead employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and internal communications. Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership on people‑related matters.

7. Data, Reporting & HR Analytics: Maintain accurate HR and operational data, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. Generate reports on headcount, performance, turnover, training, and operational metrics. Use data insights to recommend improvements and support strategic decision‑making.

What Type of Candidate Will Not Succeed In This Role?

• Candidates who are overly theoretical, lack hands-on execution ability, or are only experienced in highly structured corporate environments without exposure to building systems in growing organizations.

What Type of Candidate Will Thrive In This Role

• Candidates who are proactive, execution-driven, and comfortable building structure in evolving environments, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

What Level of Autonomy Does This Role Have?

• High level of ownership and responsibility, with direct access to leadership and the ability to influence key decisions across people and operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in HR, people operations, or HR generalist roles.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, beauty/personal care, or high‑growth startups is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of HR best practices, Nigerian labour laws, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent organizational, operational, and project management skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Ability to build systems, processes, and structures in a scaling environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS tools, performance systems, and productivity software.