Job Purpose:

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the overall HR management of SeaOwl Uganda, ensuring full compliance with the Ugandan Employment Act (2006), NSSF Act (1985), and internal company policies. The role requires autonomy, rigor, and strong advisory capacity to support management and operational teams in implementing, monitoring, and developing the HR strategy in alignment with SeaOwl’s global standards. The HR Manager acts as a key liaison between employees, management, and regulatory bodies, ensuring a compliant, fair, and efficient working environment.

Main duties/functions:

HR Administration and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Ugandan labor laws, NSSF, PAYE, and other statutory obligations.
• Maintain updated HR policies and procedures in accordance with SeaOwl Group guidelines and the local legal framework.
• Prepare and review employment contracts (local and expatriate), addenda, and renewals.
• Manage terminations, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures in accordance with legal requirements and company policy.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure confidentiality of personnel data (Data Protection & Privacy Act, 2019).
• Liaise with external counsel (e.g., MMAKS Advocates) on complex employment matters and litigation cases.

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Coordinate recruitment processes for local and expatriate staff, including job postings, shortlisting, interviews, and onboarding.
• Collaborate with operations and technical departments to ensure manpower requirements are met on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, training centers, and recruitment agencies to source talent.
• Manage internship and apprenticeship programs, including contracts, training agreements, and follow-up.

Employee Relations and Performance Management

• Serve as the main HR contact for all staff (office and operational).
• Lead annual performance reviews and professional development interviews.
• Promote open communication and employee engagement initiatives.
• Manage disciplinary procedures and ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for due process.
• Advise management on conflict resolution and employee welfare.

Compensation, Payroll, and Benefits

• Supervise monthly payroll processing in collaboration with the Finance Department.
• Ensure accurate computation of salaries, benefits, taxes, and deductions in compliance with statutory laws.
• Monitor staff costs, headcount evolution, and budget versus actual payroll expenses.
• Oversee social security and insurance coverage, including health and group life insurance schemes.

Training and Development

• Identify training needs and implement the annual training plan.
• Liaise with training providers and institutions (e.g., UPIK, Stanbic Business Incubator, etc.).
• Evaluate training outcomes and report on skill development.

HR Reporting and Strategy

• Prepare monthly and quarterly HR dashboards (headcount, turnover, absenteeism, training, etc.).
• Contribute to workforce planning and HR strategy development with management.
• Support the implementation of the SeaOwl Group’s HRIS and digitalization initiatives.

KNOWLEDGES AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Law, Business Administration, or related field.
• Postgraduate certification in Employment Law or HR Management is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Human Resources, ideally within the Oil & Gas, Engineering, or Technical Services sector.
• Proven knowledge of Ugandan labor law and employment administration practices.
• Experience in managing both local and expatriate staff.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of payroll, compensation structures, and benefits administration.
• Excellent command of MS Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and reporting tools.

Personal Skills:

• Fluent in English (mandatory).
• Knowledge of French is an asset.
• High integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Pragmatic, diplomatic, and solution-oriented.
• Autonomous, organized, and reliable under pressure.

Legal and Compliance Reference

This position must ensure compliance with the following:

• Employment Act (2006, as amended)
• NSSF Act (1985)
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (2006)
• Data Protection and Privacy Act (2019)
• Income Tax Act (Cap. 340)

• Ensure full compliance with Ugandan labor laws, NSSF, PAYE, and other statutory obligations.
• Maintain updated HR policies and procedures in accordance with SeaOwl Group guidelines and the local legal framework.
• Prepare and review employment contracts (local and expatriate), addenda, and renewals.
• Manage terminations, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures in accordance with legal requirements and company policy.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure confidentiality of personnel data (Data Protection & Privacy Act, 2019).
• Liaise with external counsel (e.g., MMAKS Advocates) on complex employment matters and litigation cases.
• Coordinate recruitment processes for local and expatriate staff, including job postings, shortlisting, interviews, and onboarding.
• Collaborate with operations and technical departments to ensure manpower requirements are met on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, training centers, and recruitment agencies to source talent.
• Manage internship and apprenticeship programs, including contracts, training agreements, and follow-up.
• Serve as the main HR contact for all staff (office and operational).
• Lead annual performance reviews and professional development interviews.
• Promote open communication and employee engagement initiatives.
• Manage disciplinary procedures and ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for due process.
• Advise management on conflict resolution and employee welfare.
• Supervise monthly payroll processing in collaboration with the Finance Department.
• Ensure accurate computation of salaries, benefits, taxes, and deductions in compliance with statutory laws.
• Monitor staff costs, headcount evolution, and budget versus actual payroll expenses.
• Oversee social security and insurance coverage, including health and group life insurance schemes.
• Identify training needs and implement the annual training plan.
• Liaise with training providers and institutions (e.g., UPIK, Stanbic Business Incubator, etc.).
• Evaluate training outcomes and report on skill development.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly HR dashboards (headcount, turnover, absenteeism, training, etc.).
• Contribute to workforce planning and HR strategy development with management.
• Support the implementation of the SeaOwl Group’s HRIS and digitalization initiatives.

• Strong understanding of payroll, compensation structures, and benefits administration.
• Excellent command of MS Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and reporting tools.
• Fluent in English (mandatory).
• Knowledge of French is an asset.
• High integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Pragmatic, diplomatic, and solution-oriented.
• Autonomous, organized, and reliable under pressure.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Human Resources, ideally within the Oil & Gas, Engineering, or Technical Services sector.
• Proven knowledge of Ugandan labor law and employment administration practices.
• Experience in managing both local and expatriate staff.