Job Description
The Co-operative Bank of Kenya is inviting applications from experienced Human Resource professionals for the position of Employee Relations Manager. This opportunity is designed for a proactive and knowledgeable individual who is passionate about creating a positive workplace culture, promoting fair employment practices, and supporting organizational success through effective employee relations management. The successful candidate will become an integral member of the Human Resources team and will contribute to strengthening employee engagement, organizational compliance, and workplace harmony across the Bank.
Reporting directly to the Head of Employee Relations & Welfare, the Employee Relations Manager will provide professional guidance on employment matters while ensuring that all employee relations practices comply with applicable labour legislation, organizational policies, collective bargaining agreements, and industry standards. The role demands an individual with exceptional interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the confidence to advise leaders on complex employment matters involving discipline, grievances, investigations, staff welfare, and dispute resolution.
The successful candidate will work closely with departmental managers, business leaders, legal advisors, employee representatives, and external regulatory bodies to ensure consistency, fairness, transparency, and accountability in all employee relations processes. The position also requires monitoring emerging labour legislation, recommending policy improvements, and supporting continuous enhancement of HR practices that encourage productivity, employee satisfaction, and legal compliance.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to influence organizational culture by promoting ethical employment practices, improving communication between management and employees, and supporting initiatives that strengthen trust throughout the organization. The Employee Relations Manager will also coordinate disciplinary hearings, provide legal and procedural guidance, support litigation management where necessary, and represent the Bank during labour consultations, conciliations, and negotiations with employee unions.
The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical abilities, emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage highly confidential matters with professionalism and integrity. The Bank seeks an individual who demonstrates leadership, strategic thinking, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to delivering practical solutions that balance organizational objectives with employee wellbeing.
This role provides exposure to a broad range of employee relations responsibilities within one of Kenya's leading financial institutions, offering an excellent environment for professional development, strategic HR contribution, and career advancement. Individuals who enjoy solving workplace challenges, building productive relationships, and promoting a respectful working environment are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide professional guidance to managers on employee relations matters, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with employment legislation.
- Coordinate disciplinary procedures across business units while ensuring established organizational policies are applied consistently.
- Review investigation findings, audit reports, and supporting documentation before recommending appropriate disciplinary action.
- Prepare disciplinary documentation, correspondence, and official recommendations for management review.
- Organize disciplinary hearing panels and coordinate all related administrative activities.
- Guide hearing panels on procedural fairness and applicable employment regulations.
- Ensure disciplinary outcomes are implemented correctly and communicated appropriately to relevant stakeholders.
- Respond professionally to employee grievances while promoting timely and balanced conflict resolution.
- Advise departmental managers on handling workplace disputes before escalation.
- Investigate employee complaints and recommend practical solutions that support organizational objectives.
- Support staff welfare initiatives that promote employee engagement and workplace wellbeing.
- Maintain confidential records relating to employee relations cases and investigations.
- Monitor changes in Kenyan labour legislation and recommend policy updates where necessary.
- Interpret labour laws and provide practical guidance to management regarding legal compliance.
- Support the review and continuous improvement of HR policies and employee relations procedures.
- Collaborate with legal counsel on employment-related litigation and dispute management.
- Prepare case files, evidence, and documentation required during legal proceedings.
- Represent the organization during labor conciliations and employment dispute meetings where assigned.
- Build productive relationships with employee representatives and union officials.
- Participate in collective bargaining preparations and negotiation support activities.
- Promote effective communication between management and employees to strengthen workplace relationships.
- Provide coaching and advisory support to supervisors handling sensitive employee issues.
- Develop reports highlighting employee relations trends and recommend improvement initiatives.
- Monitor disciplinary statistics and identify opportunities for preventive HR interventions.
- Conduct awareness sessions on workplace policies, ethics, and employee conduct expectations.
- Support HR business partners with employee engagement and organizational change initiatives.
- Promote respectful workplace behavior and encourage compliance with organizational values.
- Liaise with regulatory authorities and professional HR bodies on employment-related matters.
- Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive employee information.
- Deliver high-quality employee relations services that strengthen organizational performance and employee confidence.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in human resource management, Social Sciences, Industrial Relations, Law (LLB), or another relevant discipline from a recognized university.
- Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management is highly desirable.
- Membership with the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM/CHRM) or another recognized HR professional body.
- Professional certification in Human Resource Management will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the position. Applications should be emailed to [jobs@co-opbank.co.ke](mailto:jobs@co-opbank.co.ke) with the subject line: Employee Relations Manager – Reference: ERM/HRD/2026 Applications must be received on or before 17th July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Co-operative Bank of Kenya is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.