Job Description: HR Manager – Kandy
We are looking for an experienced HR Manager to oversee all aspects of human resources operations at our location in Kandy. This position requires a strong understanding of HR functions, sound judgment, and a consistent approach to supporting employees and guiding management in HR-related matters.
The HR Manager will be responsible for leading the HR team, supporting business operations, and ensuring that HR practices are aligned with employment regulations and internal policies. You will work closely with senior leadership to support business needs while fostering a professional and fair workplace.
Position Overview
This role is suited to someone who is organized, dependable, and practical in their problem-solving. The focus will be on people management, compliance, recruitment, and process improvement. You’ll manage day-to-day HR responsibilities while also contributing to broader planning and staff development efforts. This is not a position filled with unnecessary jargon—it is a practical, hands-on leadership role where your decisions directly impact the working environment and overall efficiency.
Core Responsibilities
1. Recruitment and Hiring
- Collaborate with department heads to define hiring needs and create clear, accurate job descriptions.
- Manage the entire recruitment process from job advertising, shortlisting, interviewing, and selection.
- Ensure all hiring practices meet internal policy and legal requirements.
- Maintain an organized and up-to-date database of applicants and job postings.
2. Employee Onboarding and Offboarding
- Ensure new employees are properly introduced to the company, their role, and essential policies.
- Coordinate the onboarding process, including documentation, orientation, and system access.
- Conduct structured exit interviews and ensure clear documentation during the offboarding process.
- Use insights from onboarding and exit data to improve internal processes.
3. Employee Records and Documentation
- Maintain accurate employee records in both physical and digital formats.
- Ensure confidentiality and integrity of all HR-related data.
- Keep documentation and personnel files compliant with internal policy and legal standards.
- Oversee routine audits to verify accuracy and completeness.
4. Leave and Attendance Management
- Oversee the administration of leave policies, including annual, medical, maternity, and unpaid leave.
- Monitor attendance systems and follow up on irregularities or policy violations.
- Work with payroll and operations to ensure leave records are up to date and accurate.
- Provide regular reporting to management on leave usage and trends.
5. Policy Implementation and Compliance
- Draft, revise, and communicate HR policies that are fair, clear, and relevant to the company’s context.
- Ensure all HR practices comply with Sri Lankan labor laws and regulations.
- Educate employees and managers about updates to workplace rules or procedures.
- Maintain clear documentation of compliance and support internal and external audits.
6. Performance and Appraisal Coordination
- Manage the performance review process to ensure consistency and relevance.
- Train managers and team leaders on conducting evaluations that are objective and constructive.
- Track review cycles, flag delays, and ensure results are recorded properly.
- Collaborate with department heads to develop action plans based on review feedback.
7. Employee Support and Relations
- Act as a point of contact for employee queries or concerns related to employment, policy, or workplace behavior.
- Manage conflict resolution procedures and escalate issues appropriately.
- Maintain transparency while respecting confidentiality in sensitive matters.
- Ensure employees feel heard and supported, without overpromising or creating unrealistic expectations.
8. Training and Development Coordination
- Assess training needs in consultation with department heads and organize internal or external training programs.
- Track training attendance and gather feedback to improve future sessions.
- Ensure employees are equipped with necessary information related to safety, compliance, and job-specific skills.
9. Payroll and Benefits Administration (Support Role)
- Coordinate with the finance team to ensure accurate processing of payroll data.
- Assist in resolving payroll-related queries raised by staff.
- Administer employee benefit programs, including insurance and statutory contributions.
- Keep benefits documentation updated and clearly communicated to staff.
10. HR Reporting and Analytics
- Provide regular and accurate reports on HR metrics such as turnover, hiring rates, absenteeism, and training hours.
- Use data to help inform leadership decisions without overstating trends.
- Maintain clarity and integrity in all reports and ensure they are accessible to relevant stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a management-level position.
- Solid understanding of Sri Lankan labor law and statutory obligations.
- Strong documentation, organization, and record-keeping skills.
- Comfortable handling confidential or sensitive matters with discretion.
- Clear, concise communication skills in both Sinhala and English (Tamil is an advantage).
- Ability to balance task-oriented responsibilities with people-centered thinking.
- Familiarity with HR software systems and standard office applications.
Preferred Attributes
- A structured, consistent approach to handling recurring tasks and employee interactions.
- Practical mindset with a focus on effectiveness over flair.
- Willingness to make decisions based on facts, not assumptions or trends.
- Ability to keep things running smoothly during routine work and respond calmly in pressure situations.
- Respect for deadlines and an appreciation for clear communication at all levels of the organization.
Workplace Environment
This is an office-based role in Kandy, with regular working hours. Occasionally, extended hours may be required to meet specific project or compliance deadlines. You will be part of a collaborative management team and report directly to senior leadership, while supervising junior HR team members or administrative support staff.
The environment encourages straightforward communication and accountability. We value clarity and performance over buzzwords or trend-driven practices.
What You Can Expect from Us
- A professional and respectful workplace that values consistency and fairness.
- A clearly defined scope of responsibilities with support where needed.
- Opportunities to influence HR practices and improve existing systems.
- Access to tools and resources needed to manage your responsibilities effectively.
- Recognition of contributions without unnecessary hype.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their resume and a brief cover letter explaining their suitability for the role. Please include specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined above.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.
Closing Note
This role is for someone who values structure, clarity, and fair practices in the workplace. We are not looking for flashy slogans or inflated promises—just a dependable HR Manager who will bring order, consistency, and professionalism to the role. If that sounds like you, we’d be happy to hear from you.