Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

Fort Knox Group is one of the most diversified security and financial outfits in West Africa with fixed based operation in Nigeria servicing security contracts throughout the West Africa sub-region from its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The company has a hard-earned reputation for excellent business practices and delivery, built over 95 years of global ...

Head of Human Resources

• Job Type Full Time
• Qualification BA/BSc/HND
• Experience 10 - 12 years
• Location Lagos
• Job Field Human Resources / HR

Role Overview

• We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Human Resources to lead the firm's people strategy and oversee the full employee lifecycle.
• The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and practice group leaders, providing strategic leadership across talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, culture, HR operations, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

People Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement a firm-wide HR strategy aligned with organisational goals and growth plans.
• Advise senior management and team leaders on people-related matters.
• Lead and develop a high-performing HR team.
• Drive employer branding and employee engagement initiatives.
• Lead organisational design and workforce planning.
• Oversee operational areas including facilities, IT systems, vendor contracts, and office management.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment across legal and business services functions.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies for senior and specialist hires.
• Lead trainee, graduate and internship programmes.
• Design structured onboarding programmes.
• Build relationships with recruitment agencies, legal search firms and relevant institutions.

Performance Management:

• Design and manage performance appraisal and review frameworks.
• Ensure consistent and effective performance evaluation across teams.
• Support managers in feedback, performance improvement and employee retention.
• Develop career progression frameworks.
• Oversee promotion and partnership-track processes.

Learning & Development:

• Develop and implement the firm's L&D strategy.
• Identify training needs and manage external training providers.
• Develop leadership programmes for senior professionals.
• Support professional qualifications and continuous learning.
• Manage the L&D budget effectively.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Lead annual salary reviews and compensation benchmarking.
• Ensure competitive, equitable and compliant compensation structures.
• Oversee employee benefits, health, wellness, leave and retirement programmes.
• Monitor market trends and recommend appropriate compensation adjustments.

Employee Relations & Culture:

• Manage complex employee relations matters, grievances and disciplinary processes.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, respect, wellbeing and professionalism.
• Lead employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
• Handle sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgement.

HR Operations & Compliance:

• Ensure HR policies, procedures and employee handbooks remain current and compliant.
• Oversee HRIS implementation, HR data integrity and analytics.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, labour regulations and statutory requirements.
• Prepare HR reports, metrics and dashboards for senior management.
• Oversee visa, mobility and secondment administration where applicable.

Leadership & Partner Support:

• Advise senior leadership on succession planning and leadership transitions.

• Support partner onboarding, exits, sabbaticals and performance matters.

• Facilitate leadership retreats, offsites and alignment sessions.

• Handle confidential senior-level matters with the highest level of discretion.

• What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish strong relationships with senior management and key stakeholders.

• Become a trusted and confidential HR advisor across the organisation.

• Strengthen performance management and employee development processes.

• Ensure HR review cycles and key people initiatives are delivered effectively.

• Build trust and credibility with both leadership and employees.

• Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or a related field.

• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.

• 10–12 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership role.

• Experience in a law firm, professional services or partnership environment is strongly preferred.

• Proven experience managing the full HR lifecycle independently.

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

• Experience working with senior executives, boards or partners is an advantage.

• A postgraduate qualification in HR, MBA or equivalent is preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.

• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal sensitivity.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation abilities.

• Ability to influence and advise senior executives confidently.

• High level of integrity, discretion and professional judgement.

• Strong knowledge of HR operations and employment law.

• Data-driven approach with the ability to translate HR metrics into business insights.

• Ability to thrive in complex and fast-paced environments.

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