Group HR Director

Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent's high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and talented Group HR Director to join our Human Capital team, based in one of the Group's countries of operation with regular international travel. He/she should have a strong HR leadership background in multi-country African environments, exposure to Private Equity, and perfect fluency in English, with professional French preferred.

What do we expect from the candidate?

The Group HR Director will lead the development and implementation of the Group's HR operating model across all countries of operation. Reporting to the Group Director Human Capital & Legal, the role leads an international HR team made up of HR Managers and HR Business Partners in the Group's principal countries. It also leads two Centres of Excellence covering Compensation & Benefits and Talent & Development. The role is expected to professionalise the HR function, drive consistency across countries and provide practical, business-oriented support to management.

The key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the definition of the Human Capital Strategy and translate it into a well-targeted HR strategy and action plans specific to the needs of the business.

• Set up the compensation strategy and related policies to strengthen merit-based performance management.

• Retain key talent and implement talent development processes, from identification through development, promotion, training and internal mobility, to ensure business continuity.

• Establish the employer brand and value proposition, attract the best talent to feed the succession pipeline, and lead the internal HR communication function and channels.

• Act as a "glue leader" and advisor to the Group Director Human Capital & Legal, senior leadership peers and middle management, supporting the building of a strong senior leadership team.

• Contribute to the definition of Solevo's values and act as a role model in their deployment, while challenging the status quo and promoting a continuous improvement mindset.

• Act as guardian of the Group's personnel costs, ensuring organisational structures and workforce levels remain aligned with business needs and financial objectives.

• Lead the integration of acquired businesses and harmonise HR processes, policies, systems and ways of working across the Group.

• Strengthen the quality, consistency and reliability of HR processes and data across all countries, and drive the professionalisation of the HR function with disciplined execution of agreed priorities.

• Develop HR leaders towards a proactive and accountable mindset when supporting the business and in decision-making.

If you possess…

Must-Have:

• University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of experience as an HR Manager or Director in a company operating in Africa, with exposure to Private Equity in a fast-paced, growing market.

• HR generalist background, with experience as business partner to a General Manager (global or regional level) or reporting to an Executive Committee.

• Proven experience leading performance management, talent management, succession planning and the annual remuneration cycle.

• Direct experience in a multi-country oversight role across several African countries, with practical understanding of local labour markets.

• Demonstrated experience leading Post-Merger Integration and organisational transformation, with a track record of managing significant change across multiple markets.

• Strong data-analysis skills, with the ability to assess the financial impact of HR decisions and present clear HR dashboards and recommendations to management.

• Perfect fluency in English.

Nice-to-Have:

• Postgraduate business qualification.

• Professional working proficiency in French.

• Experience working with Private Equity shareholders and/or in companies with financial leverage.

• Experience in a well-structured multinational with mature HR systems, processes and governance.

• Experience in chemical distribution or a comparable B2B distribution environment.

• Familiarity with Swiss labour law.

If you are…

• A strong leader able to lead, develop and challenge an international, multi-country HR team.

• Someone who sets clear priorities, creates accountability and follows up rigorously on agreed actions.

• Quick to build trust and able to adapt your leadership style to different cultures, countries and stakeholders.

• Driven by a strong sense of urgency, ownership and execution, and comfortable taking difficult people and organisational decisions.

Why join Solevo?

• Join a young, dynamic team leading chemical distribution on the African continent.

• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.

• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and "thinking out of the box" is key.

• Opportunity to work in a growing, versatile environment.

• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.

• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Then, this job is for you!

How to join us?

If you're excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.

What's next ?

If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.

Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.