Head of Human Resources

AI summary

Fort Knox Outsourcing is recruiting an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead people strategy for a leading full-service commercial law firm in Nigeria. The role covers talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, HR operations, and compliance. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and practice group leaders.

• Senior HR leadership role within a leading commercial law firm environment
• Covers the full employee lifecycle from talent acquisition to compliance
• Requires 10–12 years of progressive HR experience with 3–5 years in leadership
• Professional services or partnership experience strongly preferred
• Opportunity to shape firm-wide people strategy and culture

Original source description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Human Resources to lead the firm's people strategy and oversee the full employee lifecycle. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and practice group leaders, providing strategic leadership across talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, culture, HR operations, and compliance. Key Responsibilities: People Strategy & Leadership: Develop and implement a firm-wide HR strategy aligned with organisational goals and growth plans. Advise senior management and team leaders on people-related matters. Oversee operational areas including facilities, IT systems, vendor contracts, and office management. Lead organisational design and workforce planning. Drive employer branding and employee engagement initiatives. Lead and develop a high-performing HR team. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Develop and execute recruitment strategies for senior and specialist hires. Design structured onboarding programmes. Oversee end-to-end recruitment across legal and business services functions. Lead trainee, graduate and internship programmes. Build relationships with recruitment agencies, legal search firms and relevant institutions. Performance Management: Ensure consistent and effective performance evaluation across teams. Design and manage performance appraisal and review frameworks. Oversee promotion and partnership-track processes. Develop career progression frameworks. Support managers in feedback, performance improvement and employee retention. Learning & Development: Develop leadership programmes for senior professionals. Manage the L&D budget effectively. Support professional qualifications and continuous learning. Identify training needs and manage external training providers. Develop and implement the firm's L&D strategy. Compensation & Benefits: Lead annual salary reviews and compensation benchmarking. Oversee employee benefits, health, wellness, leave and retirement programmes. Ensure competitive, equitable and compliant compensation structures. Monitor market trends and recommend appropriate compensation adjustments. Employee Relations & Culture: Lead employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives. Promote a culture of inclusion, respect, wellbeing and professionalism. Manage complex employee relations matters, grievances and disciplinary processes. Handle sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgement. HR Operations & Compliance: Oversee visa, mobility and secondment administration where applicable. Ensure HR policies, procedures and employee handbooks remain current and compliant. Ensure compliance with employment laws, labour regulations and statutory requirements. Oversee HRIS implementation, HR data integrity and analytics. Prepare HR reports, metrics and dashboards for senior management. Leadership & Partner Support: Advise senior leadership on succession planning and leadership transitions. Support partner onboarding, exits, sabbaticals and performance matters. Facilitate leadership retreats, offsites and alignment sessions. Handle confidential senior-level matters with the highest level of discretion. What Success Looks Like Within the first year, the successful candidate will be expected to: Establish strong relationships with senior management and key stakeholders. Ensure HR review cycles and key people initiatives are delivered effectively. Become a trusted and confidential HR advisor across the organisation. Strengthen performance management and employee development processes. Build trust and credibility with both leadership and employees. Qualifications & Experience: 10–12 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership role. Experience: in a law firm, professional services or partnership environment is strongly preferred. Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, CIPD Level 7 or equivalent. A postgraduate qualification in HR, MBA or equivalent is preferred. Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or a related field. Proven experience: managing the full HR lifecycle independently. Experience: working with senior executives, boards or partners is an advantage. Key Competencies: High emotional intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity. Strong knowledge of HR operations and employment law. High level of integrity, discretion and professional judgement. Data-driven approach with the ability to translate HR metrics into business insights. Ability to thrive in complex and fast-paced environments. Ability to influence and advise senior executives confidently. Strong leadership and strategic thinking. Strong conflict resolution and negotiation abilities. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. N2,800,000 Net Monthly. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: recruitment@fortknoxoutsourcing.com using the Job Title and Location as the subject of the email. Application Deadline: 30th September, 2026. View all Jobs in Nigeria Lagos State and 1 other location Lagos State , Oniru Head of Human Resources job vacancies in Nigeria