Group C&B Manager & HR Business Partner (HQ)

Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent's high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and talented Group Compensation & Benefits Manager & HR Business Partner to join our Group Human Resources team, based at our headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. He/she should have a strong compensation & benefits background in an international, multi-country environment, hands-on HR generalist experience in Switzerland, and be fluent in English and French.

What do we expect from the candidate?

The Group C&B Manager & HRBP will design, implement and govern the compensation and benefits framework of the SOLEVO Group across all subsidiaries in Africa. The goal is reward practices that are competitive, fair, cost-controlled and compliant in every country. The role is the Group reference for all reward matters and partners closely with Regional and Country HR Managers, Finance and Management. In addition, the position acts as HR Business Partner for the Geneva headquarters and the UAE office, managing the full employee life cycle, recruitment and payroll for Switzerland and the UAE. Reporting to the Group HR Director, the role manages the Group Comp & Ben Officer.

The key responsibilities:

• Design and update Group reward policies (salary, incentives, benefits, allowances, mobility) and build the Group job architecture: job families, grades and salary bands per country. This includes leading job evaluations with a recognised methodology (e.g. Mercer IPE, Korn Ferry/Hay).

• Define approval rules and delegation of authority for pay decisions, advise HR Managers on offers, promotions and pay adjustments, and prepare remuneration papers for the COMEX and, where applicable, the REMCO.

• Assess the Group incentive structure to ensure it fits the business strategy, and design and administer short-term incentive, bonus and commercial incentive schemes. This covers target setting, payout calculation and harmonisation across countries.

• Coordinate the annual salary review for all Group entities through Compport, and run salary benchmarking exercises with reward consultancies and salary survey providers.

• Monitor inflation and exchange rate movements in volatile markets (e.g. Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Angola) and propose adjustment mechanisms. Partner with Group Finance on personnel cost budgets, forecasts and actuals.

• Produce reward dashboards and analytics (compa-ratios, pay positioning, cost of benefits, gender and internal equity) for the Group HR Director, Finance and COMEX.

• Oversee Group benefits programmes (medical, life and disability insurance, pension plans), building a Group-wide view of insurance providers and vendors and leading renewals and tenders. Define and apply the Group mobility policy.

• Support HR due diligence and the harmonisation of grades, pay structures, benefits and incentive plans of acquired entities with Group standards.

• Act as HR Business Partner for HQ Switzerland and the UAE office. This covers recruitment, onboarding, contracts, internal mobility, offboarding, work permits and visas, as well as advising senior leaders and COMEX members on people matters.

• Execute the monthly Swiss payroll via the external provider and oversee UAE payroll, managing Swiss social insurances (AVS/AI/APG, AC, LPP, LAA, IJM) and UAE statutory benefits (WPS, end-of-service gratuity).

• Manage and develop the Group Comp & Ben team, lead the administration of Compport and ensure the quality and integrity of compensation data in the HRIS.

If you possess…

Must-Have:

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or a related field.

• 5–7 years of HR experience, including at least 3 years in compensation & benefits in an international, multi-country environment.

• Hands-on HR generalist experience in Switzerland, including Swiss payroll and social insurances, and solid knowledge of Swiss labour law.

• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, with the ability to produce clear, structured reporting and dashboards for Management.

• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, and experience with HRIS and compensation management tools.

• Fluency in English and French.

Nice-to-Have:

• Compensation & benefits certification (e.g. WorldatWork CCP/GRP).

• Exposure to UAE HR and payroll practices.

• Experience working with African countries and in multi-currency, high-inflation environments.

• Experience with Compport or a similar compensation platform.

• Knowledge of data protection rules applicable to HR data (Swiss FADP / GDPR).

If you are…

• A person of high integrity, able to handle confidential data with absolute discretion.

• Rigorous and detail-oriented, with strong business acumen.

• Able to advise and influence senior managers and HR counterparts remotely across countries.

• Adaptable, hands-on and proactive, comfortable working in multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

Why join Solevo?

• Join a young, dynamic team leading chemical distribution on the African continent.

• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.

• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and "thinking out of the box" is key.

• Opportunity to work in a growing, versatile environment.

• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.

• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Then, this job is for you!

How to join us?

If you're excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.

What's next ?

If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.

Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.