Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Demerara Distillers Limited is looking for a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) who will be responsible for every aspect of HR management and development across the very vibrant and dynamic group of companies. 

The Group

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) is an internationally acclaimed producer of award-winning rums, and among the leading manufacturing companies in Guyana, producing a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as juices, milks, jams and jellies.  In addition to the manufacturing business, the group has a number of subsidiaries: in retail and distribution, shipping and logistics, among others, and is constantly expanding.     

DDL is publicly owned, with shares traded on the Guyana Stock Exchange. The company operates with a social conscience and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.

In addition to its operations spread across Guyana, the company has subsidiaries in St Kitts, USA and Europe, which focus on the distribution of its spirits in those regions. 

The Position

The company is looking for a high-level HR generalist to lead and support its management team in Human Resources Management and Engagement across the group.  In this role, you will partner with Divisional and Operational Heads, to ensure that we find good employees, who are given the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the development of the company.

The CHRO will also be ultimately responsible for industrial relations and discipline in the group and will have a significant impact on every area of our business.  

Duties and Responsibilities

The CHRO will lead all aspects of HR in the DDL group, adopting strategies to ensure that the group remains a leader in, (among other things): Recruitment, Onboarding and Retention of employees, Talent Management, Succession Planning and People Development, Compensation and Reward, Negotiation and good Employee Relations, Performance Management.

Key to the success of the appointee will be the ability to:

• Lead the engagement of the group’s employees, in collaboration with functional and divisional heads;
• Communicate effectively in a manner that is constructive and encouraging;
• Coach, lead and teach;
• Engage and negotiate with the three trade unions operating in the group.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Formulation and adaptation of appropriate HR policies for the group;
• Development of innovative strategies to chart the group through a rapidly changing national and international HR environment;
• Encouraging the adoption of technological tools to improve productivity and efficiency in the operations;
• Facilitating career advancement for the people in this particularly dynamic group of companies;
• Tracking employee turnover and, with colleagues, creating strategies to deal with areas of concern;
• Engaging with the trade unions operating in the group to ensure that the industrial relations climate remains excellent; negotiating with the unions at intervals; and ensuring that the process of grievance management is appropriately utilised;
• Ensuring that investigations into employee offences are carried out and appropriate disciplinary action taken;
• Coaching Divisional and Operational managers on HR related matters, including but not limited to performance management, conflict resolution, and adherence to Collective Labour Agreements.

Qualifications, Skills, and Work Experience Needed:

• A Master’s Degree in HR with at least seven years’ post graduate experience heading HR in a reasonably large regional business. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or similar body will be an asset
• Strong leadership and exceptional communication skills
• Excellent emotional intelligence and relationship building skills
• Great negotiation, team building, and employee engagement skills
• Demonstrable autonomy, adaptability, and change management skills

Please submit your application as early as possible but not later than Friday 15th May 2026, addressed to:

The HR Adviser

Demerara Distillers Limited

Plantation Diamond

East Bank Demerara