Employee Relations Manager

Co-operative Bank of Kenya is a leading financial institution founded in 1965, operating in the banking and financial services sector.

Reporting to the Head, Employee Relations & Welfare, the role holder will play a key role to develop and maintain a conducive & productive working atmosphere, provide expert guidance and hands-on support across a wide spectrum of employee relations matters, ensuring people practices align with employment legislation, Bank policies, and best practice. The role will drive effective management of discipline, grievance, and staff welfare matters while partnering with the business to foster a positive, productive, and engaged workforce.

1. Liaise with team leaders to ensure consistency of disciplinary procedures in the network.
2. Study reported disciplinary cases and advise on the relevant disciplinary actions.
3. Study investigation and audit reports and take relevant disciplinary action.
4. Communicate disciplinary decisions to line managers and ensure proper implementation of actions.
5. Investigate and respond to all queries raised by the Union or line managers on staff disciplinary matters.
6. Organize and constitute the Disciplinary Hearing Panel and staff discipline matters.
7. Co-ordinate in liaison with the Bank’s advocates all litigation cases for ex-staff and attend to Industrial Court as the Bank’s Witness on all litigation matters.
8. Support Bank subsidiaries in handling disciplinary matters when called upon.
9. Provide expert advice to line managers on legal implications of disciplinary actions as they relate to the labour laws.
10. Act as a centre of expertise for the organization on matters pertaining to employee relations.
11. Seek support for the Bank’s employee relations strategy from stakeholders.
12. Monitor on a regular basis changes in labour laws and keep managers informed.
13. Undertake regular consultations and negotiations with the Union.
14. Attend to and represent the Bank at the Ministry of Labour conciliation meetings.
15. Liaise with Kenya Bankers Association and Kenya Institute of Bankers on employment related matters.
16. Ensure the Bank’s HR policies are aligned to the existing labour laws.
17. Represent the Bank and participate in Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the Union.
18. Ensure that the Bank applies and practices the best labour practices and that the Bank adheres to all provisions of labor laws and other relevant statutes.

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Law (LLB) from a recognized university with over 5 years demonstrable HR experience in a busy environment.
2. A Higher Diploma in Human Resources with I/CHRM or other professional body membership.
3. A detailed and working knowledge of the provisions of the Labour Laws with practical experience in Employee Relations.
4. A good awareness of the internal and external industrial environment with detailed knowledge of the Bank’s disciplinary and grievance procedures.
5. In-depth knowledge of best practices in Human Resource policies, processes and strategies.
6. High level of tact and diplomacy and the ability to use appropriate styles and methods of communication to ensure a professional yet personal customer service; excellent spoken and written English.
7. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a discreet and professional manner.
8. Ability to build effective working relationships with others at all levels of the organization.
9. Proven ability to remain calm, focused and organized and to deliver results on time when under pressure and with rapidly changing circumstances.