HR Manager

📍 Location: Suriname
🧭 Reports To: Country Manager
↔️ Indirect Reporting: Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the full Human Resources function in Suriname. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring legal compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with the HR strategy and governance framework.

The HR Manager acts as a strategic HR business partner to the Country Manager and local leadership team, supporting the organisation’s ability to attract, retain, develop, and engage talent while maintaining high standards of compliance, ethics, ISO certification, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

HR Governance, Compliance & Legal

• Ensure full compliance with Suriname Labour Law, employment regulations, immigration requirements, and statutory obligations
• Monitor legal developments and advise management on risks and implications
• Ensure compliance with Group HR policies, ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001, and HSSEQ requirements
• Maintain GDPR-aligned personnel records and audit-ready HR documentation
• Lead or support internal, external, ISO, and client audits and implement corrective action plans

Workforce Planning, Recruitment & Selection

• Lead annual workforce planning aligned to operational and project requirements
• Coordinate recruitment demands with department heads
• Oversee creation and maintenance of job descriptions
• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle for local and expatriate roles
• Screen candidates, conduct and support competency-based interviews
• Approve hiring decisions and negotiate offers and employment contracts
• Ensure timely mobilisation, permits, onboarding, medicals, and fitness-for-work compliance

Performance Management, Training & Development

• Manage the annual performance appraisal cycle in line with Group timelines
• Support managers with KPI setting, performance reviews, and calibration
• Develop and implement the annual Training & Competency Plan
• Oversee training delivery, compliance, certification tracking, and reporting
• Identify skill gaps, succession readiness, and development priorities

Onboarding, Offboarding & Employee Lifecycle

• Oversee onboarding programs, induction processes, and probation reviews
• Monitor contract renewals, extensions, and manpower changes
• Drive employee engagement throughout the employment lifecycle
• Conduct exit interviews and provide management trend analysis
• Oversee separation processes, final payments, documentation, and asset return

Payroll, Compensation & Benefits

• Oversee and validate monthly payroll with full statutory compliance
• Ensure accuracy of overtime, leave, allowances, and deductions
• Review and approve payroll reports prior to Group submission
• Maintain HRIS accuracy (PaySpace) including grades, pay, benefits, and ER records
• Manage medical insurance and benefit renewals, claims, and employee queries
• Support Group HR in remuneration benchmarking and salary structure reviews

Employee Relations, Engagement & Culture

• Act as primary point of contact for employee relations matters
• Lead disciplinary and grievance procedures in line with local legislation
• Foster a culture of respect, accountability, inclusion, and teamwork
• Support wellness initiatives, communications, and culture-building programs

CSR, ESG & Community Engagement

• Develop and manage local CSR initiatives aligned with Group sustainability commitments
• Build partnerships with communities, NGOs, educational institutions, and government bodies
• Lead CSR events, outreach programs, and community engagement activities
• Track CSR KPIs for ESG and potential CSRD reporting

HR Systems, Reporting & Digitalisation

• Maintain accurate HR data and produce monthly analytics dashboards
  (headcount, turnover, absenteeism, payroll, training, ER cases)
• Optimise HR workflows through digital tools (HRIS, SharePoint, automation)
• Submit timely HR reports to the Country Manager and Group CHRO
• Lead local HR digital transformation initiatives

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (MQF Level 6 equivalent) in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field
• Minimum 5 years HR experience, including 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role
• Strong knowledge of Suriname labour law and immigration processes
• Payroll administration experience and understanding of statutory deductions
• Proficient in MS Office and HRIS systems (PaySpace/Indigo preferred)
• Experience in oil & gas, logistics, heavy industry, or project-based environments preferred
• Fluent in English and Dutch
• Valid driving licence

Skills & Competencies

✅ Essential

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal ability
• High level of discretion, integrity, and confidentiality
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Analytical mindset with solid HR reporting capability
• Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to influence and advise management decisions

➕ Desirable

• Experience in ISO-certified environments
• Exposure to ESG / CSRD reporting
• Experience working in multicultural, operationally demanding environments
• HR digitalisation or transformation experience