Head of HR & Administration

Position Title: Head of HR & Administration

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Industry: Construction

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer / General Manager

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of HR & Administration to lead and integrate the human resources and administrative functions of our organization. This pivotal leadership role- which is strategic yet hands on, requires a seasoned professional with over 20 years of HR and administrative management experience ideally within Africa and the ability to manage complex, multicultural workforces, including expatriates.

The successful candidate will be responsible not only for aligning HR strategies with the company's business goals but also for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of all administrative services. These include office management, general services, facility management, travel coordination, vendor management, expatriate support and regulatory/corporate compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Human Resources Leadership: Lead the development and execution of HR strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
• Oversee the full HR function: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, compensation & benefits, learning & development, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with Nigerian labor laws and international HR best practices.
• Manage all matters related to expatriate staff, including onboarding, mobility, legal compliance, housing, benefits, and cultural integration
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, change management, talent optimization, and organizational design.
• Foster a high-performance culture that aligns with organizational values and promotes accountability and collaboration.
• Administrative & General Services Management: Lead and manage all administrative functions across corporate and site offices, including facility management, security, logistics, and procurement of office supplies and services.
• Oversee travel and accommodation arrangements for local and international staff, including expatriates.
• Implement and maintain efficient administrative systems, policies, and procedures to support operational excellence.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, ensuring cost- effective and high-quality services.
• Coordinate with IT, Legal, Finance, and other departments to ensure administrative processes support cross-functional needs.
• Monitor and maintain office infrastructure, ensuring a safe, secure, and compliant working environment.
• Supervise the administration team and develop their capabilities for service delivery and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in HR and administrative leadership roles, preferably in large-scale or high-volume operations.
• Solid experience in administrative management, including facility services, office management, and expatriate support.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic HR and administrative plans in dynamic and culturally diverse environments.
• Prior experience working in Africa is highly preferred, with strong familiarity with regional labor and immigration laws.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead multicultural teams and manage organizational complexity.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills; ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• High emotional intelligence, ethical integrity, and sound judgment in managing sensitive workforce issues.
• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Masters degree or HR certifications (e.g., CIPD, SHRM, HRCI) are an advantage.