GRACE WANJIRU MBURU
Strategic HR Leader
Nairobi
Summary
Strategic HR leader with over 10 years of experience in designing and implementing effective people systems that enhance organizational performance across the FMCG, hospitality, education, and consulting sectors. Expertise in aligning talent strategies with business goals, optimizing HR operations, and cultivating performance-driven cultures within dynamic environments. Proven ability to advise leadership on complex people matters while ensuring compliance with labor laws and driving digital HR transformation initiatives. Skilled in workforce planning, leadership development, and delivering business-focused HR solutions that enhance employee engagement, accountability, and overall organizational growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Human Resources & Administration Manager
Clique Limited
10.2022 - Current
- Lead the HR and administrative function in a growing FMCG business, partnering with leadership to strengthen people systems, support operational growth, and ensure a high-performing workplace culture.
- Selected Contributions
- Strengthened organizational structure and job design, improving clarity in reporting lines and alignment across departments.
- Introduced an integrated performance management system linking individual KPIs with broader organizational priorities, promoting accountability and continuous feedback.
- Oversaw recruitment and onboarding processes, improving candidate quality and reducing hiring turnaround through targeted sourcing and stronger employer branding.
- Digitized key HR processes through biometric attendance and automated documentation, improving data accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Provided advisory support to leadership on employee relations, disciplinary processes, and workplace policies to ensure fair and compliant decision-making.
- Supported company strategy development by aligning people initiatives with emerging organizational priorities.
Human Resources Manager
Tender Care Junior Academy
05.2017 - 10.2022
- Established and led the HR function for a large educational institution, developing policies, systems, and people programs that strengthened workforce engagement and operational efficiency.
- Selected Contributions
- Developed HR policies and employee manuals aligned with Kenyan labour legislation and sector best practices.
- Reduced staff turnover significantly by introducing structured onboarding, mentorship initiatives, and engagement programs.
- Implemented a competency-based performance appraisal system that improved transparency in evaluations and supported employee development.
- Managed employee relations matters including grievances and disciplinary processes while promoting a fair and supportive workplace environment.
- Introduced digital attendance and leave tracking systems that streamlined administrative processes and improved reporting accuracy.
HR Manager (Secondment)
Aberdare Safari Hotels
09.2014 - 04.2017
- Oversaw HR operations in a unionized hospitality environment during a period of operational transition, ensuring effective workforce management and compliance with labour regulations.
- Selected Contributions
- Managed employee relations matters including disciplinary cases, grievances, and union engagement while maintaining constructive labour relations.
- Reviewed and updated HR policies to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and labour laws.
- Supported seasonal recruitment and workforce planning to meet operational demands during peak tourism periods.
- Strengthened payroll systems and HR reporting processes to improve accuracy and cost visibility.
Human Resource Associate (Consultant)
Dorbe-Leit Consulting Ltd
09.2011 - 04.2017
- Provided HR advisory and consulting services to organizations across multiple sectors including finance, telecom, hospitality, NGOs, and SMEs.
- Selected Contributions
- Delivered HR consulting projects covering recruitment, HR policy development, job evaluation, salary benchmarking, and organizational restructuring.
- Supported organizations in establishing formal HR systems and governance frameworks.
- Advised leadership teams on employee relations matters and labour law compliance.
- Contributed to development of the firm's recruitment platform and digital presence to enhance candidate and client engagement.
- Selected Recruitment & Consulting Portfolio
- Dorbe-Leit Consulting Ltd (2011–2017, Consultant) Led and supported numerous recruitment and HR consulting projects for Kenyan and regional clients:
- Triggereise Kenya Ltd – Managed end-to-end recruitment for all company roles; supported HR advisory, benefits administration, and payroll.
- Old Mutual Kenya – Recruited senior roles including Group Finance Manager, Research Analysts, Portfolio Manager, HR Business Partner, and Wealth & Investment Manager.
- Seven Seas Technologies Ltd – Recruited Business Development Manager, Risk Manager, HR Manager, and Data Centre Manager.
- Gold Crown Beverages Ltd – Hired Sales Manager and Sales Executives to drive FMCG growth.
- Kenya Orient Insurance Ltd – Drafted competency-based recruitment policy and led hiring for Agribusiness Manager, Legal Officer, Branch Manager, and Unit Manager.
- PKF Kenya (for Megascope Healthcare) – Reviewed remuneration structure, job descriptions, and HR policy.
- Aberdare Safari Hotels – Managed recruitment for hospitality operations during a turnaround phase.
- Sayari School Ltd & Seven by Far Tours – Conducted HR audits, developed structures, and recruited administrative and technical staff.
- Digitally transformed HR operations through HRIS integration, biometric attendance systems, and automated leave management, boosting efficiency and data integrity.
- Revitalized employer branding and digital presence via a corporate website redesign and targeted social media activation, attracting high-calibre talent.
- Delivered 30+ HR consulting projects across finance, telecom, NGO, and hospitality sectors — from job evaluation and policy design to HRIS implementation and leadership development.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Higher Diploma - Human Resource Management
Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM)
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Skills
Strategic HR Leadership
Organizational design
Talent Acquisition
Performance Management
HR & Labour Compliance
Employee Relations
Accomplishments
- Reduced organizational turnover by 50% within two years by introducing structured onboarding, mentorship, and performance-linked recognition initiatives.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive performance management framework anchored on KPIs and continuous feedback, improving accountability and cross-functional collaboration.
- Strengthened HR governance and statutory compliance across multiple organizations including NSSF, SHIF, NITA, OSHA, and WIBA, ensuring audit readiness and minimizing legal risk.
- Digitized HR operations through HRIS platforms, biometric attendance systems, and automated leave management, improving operational efficiency and HR reporting accuracy.
- Delivered 30+ HR consulting assignments across finance, telecom, NGO, and hospitality sectors covering HR policy development, organizational design, and HR systems implementation.
- Negotiated improved staff medical benefits resulting in KES 360,000 annual savings while enhancing employee coverage.
Certification
Licensed HR Practitioner – HR Practicing Certificate No. 2026003200
Timeline
Human Resources & Administration Manager
Clique Limited
10.2022 - Current
Human Resources Manager
Tender Care Junior Academy
05.2017 - 10.2022
HR Manager (Secondment)
Aberdare Safari Hotels
09.2014 - 04.2017
Human Resource Associate (Consultant)
Dorbe-Leit Consulting Ltd
09.2011 - 04.2017
Higher Diploma - Human Resource Management
Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM)
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology