Kenya Associate Relations Manager at Mars

Job Purpose:

• The Associate Relations Manager will serve as the point of contact for Associate Relations issues and inquiries across functions for both (supply & demand) client groups in Kenya
• Handle AR cases and inquiries, mitigate risks to the organization through application of policies, practices and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Resolve issues and address client needs to ensure situations are resolved fairly, objectively, and in a manner that aligns with our Five Principles and the Associate Concept.
• Responsibilities include building trust, credibility and collaborative relationships with line managers and associates.
• The role ensures labor compliance ensuring adherence to legal requirements and guide the business on changes in event of regulatory changes.
• The role provides data and insights and take a proactive role to prevent workplace issues/concerns.
• You are the point of contact for any unions or regulatory (labor) authorities and will have a guiding and leading role in union discussions/negotiations.

Job Key Responsibilities

Issue resolution:

• Ensure associate & business advocacy and lead grievance and disciplinary process in line with Mars guidelines to build a fair, trustworthy and inclusive workplace.
• Lead fact-finding investigations for sensitive and/or complex cases (e.g. interviews, document review, and consultation with appropriate internal stakeholders in line with our global investigation protocol
• Partner with legal counsel to represent the business in legal and governmental proceedings.
• Ensure accurate input into Service Now system case management and that cases are responded to in a timely manner. Ensure tracking and reporting on AR case trends.
• Engage with BP’s and AR Lead regarding complex, high risk situations.

Performance concerns

• Partner with and coach line managers on performance management process and documentation.
• Review and recommend next steps regarding separations, severance options and transition assistance

Build Line Manager Capability.

• Provide coaching and training to line managers and P&O partners in the areas related to employment law, grievance management and performance management.
• Deliver AR essentials capability programs for line managers to ‘lead in the Mars way”
• Provide interpretation & consultation to ensure fair application of policies and processes to associates

Labor Law compliance/ Union Management

• Be the labor law and employment policies guardian and ensure correct governance.
• The Associate relations manager will be responsible for the consolidation, review, and alignment of Kenya related employment policies and ensure regular update when needed with relevant stakeholders
• Make recommendations regarding policies, practices and procedures focused on improving consistency, effectiveness and capability.
• Collaborate and engage with union at sites to ensure harmony while protecting the Mars culture and our ways of working ensuring business continuity.
• Proactively access union challenges and raise potential challenges with site leadership teams.
• Anchor union meetings on an ongoing basis to maintain collaborative relationships and guide and lead in consultation/negotiation with unions

Culture pulse and Partnership

• Partner and build relationships with P&O BP’s/heads and unit leadership teams to achieve aligned goals on people strategy.
• Partner with P&O BP on Org Design Transformations including org restructures, and changes to terms and conditions of employment.
• Serve as the guardian of the Mars culture and be the pulse of the business by providing associate and organization insights.
• Execute exit interviews (leavers) and stay interviews and report on insights
• Analyze Associate Relations cases and ensure root causes are proactively addressed.
• Drive regional projects in the field of AR for MEA.

Knowledge/Experience

• +6 years of experience working in Human Resources, Employee relations, BP/Generalist
• Strong communication, written and interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals across all levels of the organization
• Deep knowledge of Kenya employment and labor regulations.
• Team player with customer mindset, build trust and approachable
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential and sensitive information
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, confident in P&O data analytics and insights generation
• Strong conflict management skills
• Ability to work independently (stand-alone) and own discrete areas of responsibility
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and handle high case load with resilience