Head Industrial Relations & Factory HR (Expat)

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Head – Industrial Relations & Factory HR to lead Industrial Relations, Factory HR Operations, Labour Compliance, and Workforce Governance across manufacturing locations in Ivory Coast, Nigeria, India, and Vietnam. This is a senior expatriate leadership role requiring strong experience in manufacturing HR, industrial relations, labour law compliance, union management, and international labour standards. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing HR systems, IFC Performance Standard 2 (PS2) requirements, lender-driven labour compliance programs, and ensuring harmonious employee relations across multiple countries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Industrial Relations strategy and employee engagement initiatives across multiple manufacturing locations
• Manage union relations, collective bargaining, labour negotiations, and dispute resolution
• Ensure compliance with labour laws, minimum wage regulations, overtime compliance, and social compliance standards
• Drive implementation of IFC PS2, Wage Action Plans (WAP), Labour Audit Action Plans (LAAP), and ESAP requirements
• Partner with DFIs, lenders, consultants, auditors, and external stakeholders during compliance reviews
• Lead HRMS implementation, workforce digitization, manpower planning, and HR governance initiatives
• Manage factory HR teams and develop standardized HR processes across locations
• Conduct labour risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies

Desired Candidate Profile

15–20 years of progressive HR experience with strong exposure to manufacturing/factory environments. 8–10+ years of senior leadership experience in Industrial Relations or Factory HR. Must have experience managing Africa operations and India manufacturing facilities. Prior experience in West Africa (Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, etc.) is highly preferred. Experience in Agri-processing, Food Processing, FMCG, Manufacturing, or similar industries preferred. Strong exposure to unions, collective bargaining, labour authorities, and workforce compliance. Experience working with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) such as BII, DEG, Proparco, FMO, EBRD, or similar organizations is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with IFC PS2 / ESG Labour Compliance frameworks preferred. Experience implementing HRMS and workforce management systems. French language knowledge is an advantage but not mandatory; willingness to learn French is required. Employment Type Full-time