VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MANAGER

Our client, Health Research Operations Kenya Limited (HROKL), the operating entity for the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, a world class health research Programme based in Kenya, conducting multi-disciplinary research that spans infectious diseases, vaccines, maternal child and neonatal health, health systems, and emerging health threats. The Programme’s research leverages an integrated platform that includes bioscience laboratories, a clinical trials facility and clinical team, the clinical information network, the Kilifi demographic and health surveillance site, and robust community engagement, generating evidence that informs local and global health policy.

Job Location: Kilifi

Job Type: Full-time

Job Grade: 8.01

Country: Kenya

JOB PURPOSE:

This individual will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of the organization’s reward and employee relations functions, including compensation, payroll, benefits, and employee relations processes. They will ensure fair, compliant, and consistent application of reward and workplace practices, supported by effective use of HR systems and data, to enhance employee engagement, retention, and organizational performance.

DESCRIPTION:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous review of compensation, benefits, and employee relations policies, frameworks, and procedures aligned with organizational goals.
Lead and oversee job evaluation processes, salary benchmarking, and remuneration surveys to ensure equitable, competitive, and internally consistent pay structures.
Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, organizational policies, and audit standards.
Manage employee benefits programs, including medical insurance, group life insurance, and other schemes, ensuring effective administration and service provider performance.
Lead the management of employee relations processes, including grievance handling, disciplinary procedures, and case resolution, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with labour laws.
Provide technical guidance to management and relevant committees on employee relations matters to mitigate risk and support sound decision-making.
Support staff engagement and retention through reward and employee relations initiatives, including staff welfare programs and benefits communication.
Monitor and analyze compensation, benefits, and employee relations data to generate insights and support decision-making.
Ensure effective utilization of HR systems and tools in payroll, benefits, and employee relations processes, maintaining data accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity.
Act as the key liaison with Finance, HR, and external service providers to ensure smooth execution of payroll, benefits, and employee relations processes.
Lead continuous improvement, innovation, and automation of compensation, benefits, and employee relations processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Supervise, mentor, and build capacity of the Compensation and Benefits team to ensure high performance and effective delivery across reward and employee relations functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of a Master’s degree in Human Resources or any relevant field from a recognized university.
A minimum of 8 Years generalist/Specialist experience, 4 of which were at Management level in Compensation and Benefits at a reputable organization.
CHRP-K/ SHRM/ CIPD
IHRM Valid Membership
Demonstrated experience in the use of technology in HR service delivery.
Certificate in Leadership and or Management from a recognized institution.

DESIRABLE

COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity.
Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills.
Ability to build strong and diverse effective teams, delegation and team motivation.
Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines.
Strong management, leadership and decision-making skills.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To apply, kindly submit your application on our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) at Qazi – Applicant Tracking System by 7th May 2026 under the COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MANAGER Job posting.

All applicants are advised to adhere to the application guidelines for consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.