Executive Head of HR Shared Services

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Executive Head of HR Shared Services will lead a high‑performing, employee‑centric shared services function that delivers consistent, compliant and cost‑effective HR services across the employee lifecycle. The role is responsible for strategy, simplification, automation and digitisation of HR processes, as well as data governance, policy management and international mobility.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the HR Shared Services strategy, operating model, service catalogue and annual roadmap aligned with business priorities.
• Build and continuously improve a scalable HR Service Centre with clear service levels, case management and quality controls.
• Own end‑to‑end HR operations across the employee lifecycle, ensuring standardised processes and reliable delivery.
• Lead simplification, automation and digitisation of HR services, including self‑service portals and workflow automation.
• Set and monitor operational KPIs, SLAs, service quality, customer satisfaction and cost‑to‑serve, driving continuous improvement.
• Strengthen HR data governance, records management, privacy and reporting to provide accurate, secure workforce information.
• Lead employee and labour relations, grievance management and disciplinary processes in line with Ethiopian labour law.
• Oversee international mobility and immigration services, ensuring regulatory compliance and duty‑of‑care.
• Manage the shared services budget, suppliers and contracts, identifying opportunities to optimise cost and capacity.
• Provide authoritative advice to executives, managers and employees on complex HR operational matters.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years progressive HR experience in a large, complex and regulated organisation, with at least 5 years in senior leadership of HR operations or shared services.
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopian labour law and proven experience handling employee relations, investigations, grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Demonstrated success in establishing, scaling or transforming an HR shared services model with measurable improvements in service, productivity, cost and employee experience.
• Experience leading HR technology, process automation, data governance and workforce analytics initiatives.
• Excellent judgement, executive communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the credibility to advise senior leaders.