CAROLINE WAWERU
Human Resource Business Partner
Summary
Experienced HR Business Partner with over 8 years of experience delivering high-impact HR programs and strategies across diverse organizational settings. Spearheaded initiatives supporting over 2,000 employees across Africa, leading complex projects in performance management, workforce planning, HRIS implementation, and talent acquisition. Successfully reduced onboarding time by 91%, optimized offboarding workflows compliance, and enhanced hiring accuracy by 98% through ERP training. Experienced in working across virtual teams, leveraging HR technology to support global HR operations. Seeking to contribute expertise to a forward-thinking organization in a strategic HR leadership role.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
People Business Partner – Technology and Product
Kyosk Digital Services Ltd
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Aligned HR strategy with business outcomes by partnering with senior Tech executives, resulting in streamlined operations and enhanced talent lifecycle alignment across engineering and product teams.
- Engineered agile workforce structures to support a 150+ headcount increase, improving capacity planning and accelerating team formation in a high-growth, remote-first environment.
- Led enterprise-wide change management campaigns across distributed teams, increasing employee adaptability, engagement, and resilience during restructuring and system upgrades.
- Facilitated ERP process training for global HR professionals across onboarding, hiring, and compliance workflows, boosting reporting accuracy by 98% and reducing HR service errors.
- Delivered a digital onboarding solution that reduced new hire processing time, raised first-month productivity, and enhanced new hire satisfaction scores by 99%.
- Automated offboarding workflows to eliminate human error, achieving 100% compliance with exit protocols and streamlining separation metrics for reporting and audit readiness.
- Designed and rolled out targeted performance and development programs using change agents across global units, improving leadership readiness and team performance KPIs.
- Managed strategic partnership initiatives to drive measurable outcomes and deeper relationships with cross-functional teams.
- Delivered insightful data-driven recommendations that informed key decision-making processes within the organization.
Assistant Manager – Recruitment and Performance Management
Kenya Revenue Authority
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Streamlined hiring procedures and deployed lean recruitment strategies, reducing the turnaround time and enabling the recruitment of employees within a 45-day window.
- Championed the DEI framework by onboarding 13 sign language interpreters for national rollout, significantly improving inclusive customer engagement and public sector branding.
- Coordinated performance alignment training for staff across multiple departments, ensuring KPIs were clearly cascaded and matched to strategic deliverables.
- Reviewed and updated job advertisements and 120 job descriptions through the SAP platform, ensuring all documentation met regulatory and institutional compliance standards.
- Reviewed 13 recruitment policy manuals and submitted finalized documents for senior leadership approval, standardizing HR operations and governance.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Facilitated clear communication between employees and upper management through regular meetings and updates.
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performance and celebrating team accomplishments.
HR Operations Lead Advisor
Diageo Africa
02.2017 - 12.2019
- Directed cross-country HR transactional delivery in 8 African markets, consistently achieving SLA targets and maintaining compliance with country-specific HR policies and labor laws.
- Executed full-cycle organizational restructuring and annual reward program implementations across regions, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing organizational agility.
- Led digital query resolution and support channels remotely, reducing response times to under 72 hours and raising HR service satisfaction among distributed teams.
- Rolled out ERP and HRIS training across borders, ensuring platform standardization, onboarding consistency, and high-quality remote support across the shared services model.
- Collaborated with the CARM (Controls Assurance & Risk Management) team to develop hiring-to-placement compliance tools, improving audit readiness across all recruitment functions.
- Audited and enhanced onboarding/offboarding frameworks across operations, eliminating data integrity issues and aligning practices with Diageo's global compliance policies.
- Supervised a virtual team of 6 HR advisors, managing workload distribution, capacity planning, and performance tracking aligned with ongoing regional HR projects.
HR Operations Lead
Diageo West Africa
02.2017 - 12.2018
- Managed daily operations, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products and services to clients.
- Conducted regular performance assessments, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for growth and development among team members.
- Championed change management efforts across organizational departments, assisting employees in adapting to new policies or procedures effectively.
- Reduced operational costs through continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving measures.
- Led project teams through all phases of implementation, from initial planning to final execution, ensuring successful completion within defined timelines.
- Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and optimizing workflows.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing terms without compromising on quality or service levels.
HR Change and Communication Analyst – HR Projects
Diageo
04.2016 - 03.2017
- Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Improved internal knowledge sharing by developing comprehensive documentation outlining standard operating procedures for various tasks.
- Increased efficiency by streamlining data analysis processes and implementing automation tools.
- Streamlined reporting procedures by creating user-friendly dashboards for easy access to key performance indicators.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction rates through detailed analysis of customer feedback data and subsequent improvements in service offerings.
- Implemented predictive analytics techniques that enabled proactive adjustments to business strategies based on emerging trends.
- Supported budgeting processes by providing accurate forecasts and timely variance analyses.
- Streamlined data collection methods to improve speed and accuracy of analysis.
HR Advisor – Shared Services
East African Breweries Ltd
04.2014 - 12.2015
- Reviewed human resources paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
- Administered benefits enrollment process, ensuring accurate records were maintained for all eligible employees while educating staff members about their options.
- Ensured compliance with labor laws and regulations through regular policy updates and timely response to employee inquiries.
- Spearheaded employee engagement initiatives, soliciting feedback and implementing effective strategies to address areas of concern.
- Conducted thorough exit interviews to gather valuable insights from departing employees, identifying areas for improvement in company policies and procedures.
- Coordinated employment offers with management and extended offers to selected candidates.
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
Kenya Breweries Ltd
02.2012 - 04.2014
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
- Provided professional administrative support during board meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking duties.
- Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Delivered exceptional organizational support enabling executive focus on high-level strategic initiatives fostering company growth.
- Ensured smooth daily operations through consistent maintenance of office equipment, troubleshooting issues when necessary.
- Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
Customer Service & Cashier
NIC Bank
05.2007 - 11.2011
- Balanced cash registers accurately at the end of each shift, minimizing discrepancies and errors.
- Processed customer orders and accurately handled payment transactions.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly, maintaining composure during busy periods or difficult interactions.
- Met customer service goals and exceeded customer expectations.
- Counted money in drawers at beginning and end of each shift.
- Developed and managed relationships with customers to increase customer loyalty.
- Managed cash register operations accurately, reducing the risk of shortages or overages in daily reconciliations.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya11-2012
BBA - Commerce And Business Administration
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
Skills
HR Analytics
Talent Acquisition
HR Information Systems
Change Management
Performance Management
Organizational Design
Workforce Planning
Employee Relations
Inclusive recruitment practices
Effective talent management
Policy Development
Salary structure optimization
Benefits Administration
HR Compliance
Labor Relations
Recruitment Strategy
Training Development
Employee onboarding
Contract Negotiation
Legal Compliance
Communication
Human resources
Talent acquisition
Process optimization expertise
Organizational development
Strategic planning
Certification
Talent Management, LinkedIn Learning, 2023
Affiliations
- Full Member, Institute of Human Resource Management, 08833
- Certified Practitioner, Institute of Human Resource Management
References
Available upon request
Hiking, Building and Construction, Interior design, Fitness, Music
In my free time, I am passionate about exploring health and wellness, often engaging in activities that promote a balanced lifestyle. I enjoy building and construction projects, which allow me to apply my creativity and problem-solving skills hands-on. Interior design fascinates me as a way to express my innovative side by transforming spaces into inspiring environments. Additionally, I have a love for music, which keeps my fun side alive and fuels my creativity beyond the professional realm. These hobbies reflect my zest for innovation, my passion for continuous learning, and my desire to bring joy and creativity into everything I do.
Timeline
People Business Partner – Technology and Product
Kyosk Digital Services Ltd
01.2024 - 04.2024
Assistant Manager – Recruitment and Performance Management
Kenya Revenue Authority
03.2021 - 12.2022
HR Operations Lead Advisor
Diageo Africa
02.2017 - 12.2019
HR Operations Lead
Diageo West Africa
02.2017 - 12.2018
HR Change and Communication Analyst – HR Projects
Diageo
04.2016 - 03.2017
HR Advisor – Shared Services
East African Breweries Ltd
04.2014 - 12.2015
Executive Assistant to Managing Director
Kenya Breweries Ltd
02.2012 - 04.2014
Customer Service & Cashier
NIC Bank
05.2007 - 11.2011
BBA - Commerce And Business Administration
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
04.2001 -
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology