Human resource manager

OVERVIEWBURN is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Human Resource Manager, based in Blantyre, Malawi.The successful candidate will lead the full employee lifecycle, from workforce planning and recruitment to employee relations, compensation, staff development and separation. The role will ensure that all human resource practices comply with Malawian labour laws and the requirements of statutory regulatory authorities.The HR Manager will also provide strategic advice to senior management, strengthen employee relations, oversee payroll and benefits administration, and ensure effective HR policies, systems and procedures.JOB TYPE: Full TimeDATE POSTED: Tuesday, 3rd November, 2026DUTY STATION: Blantyre, MalawiPOSITION: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERJOB SUMMARYThe Human Resource Manager will oversee all human resource functions and ensure that the organisation attracts, develops, manages and retains employees effectively.The position requires strong knowledge of Malawian employment legislation, statutory compliance, employee relations, payroll administration, performance management and organisational development.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Strategic HR LeadershipPartner with senior management to align HR strategy, workforce plans and budgets with business objectives.Advise leadership on organisational design, restructuring, localisation and succession planning.Prepare HR reports and analytics covering headcount, staff turnover, absenteeism and labour costs.Present relevant workforce information and recommendations to management and the Board.2. Recruitment, Onboarding and Workforce PlanningManage end-to-end recruitment processes, including job evaluation, advertising, shortlisting, interviews, reference checks and qualification verification.Issue compliant employment contracts and written particulars of employment.Coordinate staff induction and probation processes.Manage expatriate recruitment, including work permit and visa applications.Support localisation planning and related workforce decisions.3. Employee Relations and DisciplineHandle employee grievances, disciplinary hearings, suspensions, terminations, redundancies and retrenchments fairly and in accordance with the law.Maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions.Support collective bargaining and trade union recognition agreements.Represent the organisation during conciliation proceedings, Ministry of Labour engagements and matters before the Industrial Relations Court, working with legal counsel where necessary.4. Compensation, Benefits and PayrollDesign and review salary structures, grading systems, allowances and employee benefits in line with the Malawi labour market.Oversee monthly payroll processing and ensure accurate statutory deductions, remittances and filings.Administer medical insurance, group life insurance, pension and other employee benefits.Manage relationships with benefits providers, vendors and brokers.5. Performance, Learning and Talent DevelopmentManage the performance management cycle, including goal setting, appraisals, performance improvement plans and calibration.Plan and budget for employee training in line with the organisation's TEVET levy obligations.Monitor staff capacity-building activities.Lead talent development, leadership development and succession planning programmes.6. Workplace Culture, Wellbeing, Health and SafetyPromote a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace.Handle matters relating to harassment, gender and disability.Coordinate employee wellness and HIV and AIDS workplace programmes.Support occupational health and safety initiatives.Lead employee engagement and communication activities, including surveys and exit interviews.7. HR Operations, Policies and SystemsDevelop, review and communicate the HR policy manual, staff handbook and related procedures.Maintain accurate employee records and human resource information systems (HRIS).Protect employee personal information in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.Manage the HR budget and relationships with HR service providers.Supervise, coach and manage the performance of the HR team.STATUTORY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIESThe HR Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with relevant Malawian employment laws and regulatory requirements, including:1. Employment ActEnsure employees have written employment contracts and documented employment particulars.Manage probation periods and working hours, including overtime.Ensure compliance with annual, sick, maternity and family leave entitlements.Manage notice periods, termination, severance and redundancy processes.Prevent forced labour and child labour.2. Labour Relations Act and Ministry of LabourManage trade union recognition and collective bargaining processes.Handle labour conciliation and employee disputes.Ensure compliance with strike regulations.Manage cases referred to the Industrial