Background

Are you a high-impact HR leader ready to drive organizational excellence in a fast-paced fintech environment? Our Client, a premier asset finance company committed to empowering individuals with innovative financial solutions, is seeking a strong, execution-focused Deputy Head of People & Culture. This is not just an administrative role; it is a high-responsibility leadership position designed for a practitioner who moves seamlessly between strategic business partnering and hands-on HR operations. You will be instrumental in building a scalable, high-performing organization while ensuring that HR fundamentals remain robust, compliant, and efficient.

Role Purpose

As the Deputy Head of People & Culture, you will act as the second-in-command within the People department. Your goal is to assist leadership in designing a sustainable organizational structure, coaching managers for high performance, and managing complex employee relations. You will connect high-level strategy with day-to-day operations, adopting a "no task is too small" mindset to help the business grow effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputy Leadership & Strategy: Act as the primary deputy to the Head of People & Culture, supporting workforce planning, organizational design, and representing the function in key leadership forums.
• Structure for Scale: Assess and strengthen current team structures. Align roles and reporting lines to business needs to improve clarity, accountability, and performance standards across the group.
• Leadership Coaching: Mentor and coach managers on performance management and team leadership. Hold leaders to high standards and support complex decision-making at the management level.
• Employee Relations & Compliance: Lead disciplinary processes and complex employee matters, ensuring 100% compliance with Kenyan employment law and global HR best practices.
• Talent Management & Hiring: Drive high-volume recruitment while maintaining quality. Strengthen onboarding processes and ensure performance management systems are consistently applied.
• Operational Optimization: Digitize HR records, streamline systems, and identify cost-optimization opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising service quality.
• Hands-on Execution: Step into operational matters whenever required, managing multiple stakeholders in a high-growth, high-pressure environment.

Ideal Candidate

You are a mature, resilient HR professional who thrives in "no-nonsense" environments. You are a practical, hands-on operator rather than just an advisor. You possess high emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the stamina to handle the demands of a rapidly growing workforce. You are a direct communicator who takes extreme ownership of results.

Your Credentials/Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 4–5 years of experience in a senior HR/People & Culture leadership role.
• Industry Background: Proven experience in high-paced environments (e.g., Fintech, Retail, or high volume operations).
• Legal Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Kenyan employment law and regulatory compliance.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience handling restructures, disciplinaries, and hiring at scale.
• Technical Savvy: Experience digitizing HR records and optimizing HRIS/operational systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership Presence: Confidence in working with and influencing senior executive management.
• Agile Mindset: Adaptable, structured, and calm under pressure.
• Execution Capability: Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance strategy and delivery.
• Resilience: High stamina and the ability to navigate a "no task is too small" culture.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and structure of a leading fintech player in Kenya.
• Growth: Operate at a high level of responsibility with direct exposure to international business standards.
• Culture: Join a practical, non-bureaucratic, and high-ownership environment where results are valued over process.
• Rewards: Competitive compensation and the opportunity to lead a mission-driven team.

• Deputy Leadership & Strategy: Act as the primary deputy to the Head of People & Culture, supporting workforce planning, organizational design, and representing the function in key leadership forums.
• Structure for Scale: Assess and strengthen current team structures. Align roles and reporting lines to business needs to improve clarity, accountability, and performance standards across the group.
• Leadership Coaching: Mentor and coach managers on performance management and team leadership. Hold leaders to high standards and support complex decision-making at the management level.
• Employee Relations & Compliance: Lead disciplinary processes and complex employee matters, ensuring 100% compliance with Kenyan employment law and global HR best practices.
• Talent Management & Hiring: Drive high-volume recruitment while maintaining quality. Strengthen onboarding processes and ensure performance management systems are consistently applied.
• Operational Optimization: Digitize HR records, streamline systems, and identify cost-optimization opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising service quality.
• Hands-on Execution: Step into operational matters whenever required, managing multiple stakeholders in a high-growth, high-pressure environment.

• Leadership Presence: Confidence in working with and influencing senior executive management.
• Agile Mindset: Adaptable, structured, and calm under pressure.
• Execution Capability: Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance strategy and delivery.
• Resilience: High stamina and the ability to navigate a "no task is too small" culture.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 4–5 years of experience in a senior HR/People & Culture leadership role.
• Industry Background: Proven experience in high-paced environments (e.g., Fintech, Retail, or high volume operations).
• Legal Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Kenyan employment law and regulatory compliance.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience handling restructures, disciplinaries, and hiring at scale.
• Technical Savvy: Experience digitizing HR records and optimizing HRIS/operational systems.