Top 10 in HR

Top 10 HR Jobs and their salaries:

#10 – Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Manager

Median annual salary: $56,110

Employment, recruitment and placement managers oversee how and when a company hires employees. They direct their team on where to find talent, how to screen candidates and how to decide which candidates to pursue. Employment, recruitment, and placement managers must have good discernment skills and an eye for recognizing high-quality potential employees. They should have excellent interviewing skills and the ability to work closely with the hiring managers in different departments within the company. Most employment, recruitment and placement managers work under an HR manager or a director of human resources.

#9 – International Human Resources Associate

Average annual salary: $62,400

An international human resources associate plays a generalist role within a company’s human resources department, but with global responsibility. Such an associate may post jobs for staff, assist in recruiting efforts by screening candidates, review benefits and compensation packages and engage in other standard human resources activities. The difference between a human resources associate based at company headquarters and one who is international is that the latter must have a solid grasp of employment markets around the world—the cultural aspects, benefits and compensation, and how to best go about screening candidates. This is why they are paid more than national human resources associates. It also helps to be multilingual and live or have lived in the countries the associate is focusing on.

#8 – Executive Recruiter

Average annual salary: $78,785

Executive recruiters, sometimes called headhunters, look for individuals to fill senior executive job positions, generally at corporations or nonprofits. Executive recruiters need to know their industries well enough to be able to convince prospects, who are often employed at other companies, to come work for a competitor or a different corporation. Executive recruiters interview candidates for skill and cultural fit, presenting the perfect candidates to the corporation seeking to employ them. The executive search industry can be incredibly profitable for those who are successful at finding candidates to fill positions. They are often paid on retainer, paid in full when the candidate is presented to the company or paid a portion, up to percent, of a hired candidate’s first-year compensation.

#7 – Labor Relations Specialist

Median annual salary: $83,298

Labor relations specialists are the bridge between the corporations where they work and the labor unions that company employees participate in. Labor relations specialists must be experts in local, state and federal labor issues, so that they can devise contracts that adhere to the laws and politics of labor. A labor relations specialist also is a representative for the company in any legal action and sometimes public relations. The labor relations specialist must always keep a close eye on regulations, ensuring that his or her business is compliant at all times. Negotiating skills, the ability to read, write and interpret legal documents, and good communication abilities are a must.

#6 – Human Resources Consultant

Average annual salary: $87,000

Human resources consultants help corporate managers devise policies, employment structures, benefit issues, performance incentives, and anything else that corporations need help with. The consultant, usually a contractor, will come in as an independent expert who provides much-needed insight into a company’s human resources problems. An HR consultant analyzes a company’s human resources situation—its labor- and employee relations, the success of its employment system, how well benefits are panning out, and more—and recommends productive changes to that system. Oftentimes, HR consultants come from a background of in-house human resources work and have accumulated years of experience in their profession. Human resources consultants should be competent across the board of human resources skills.

#5 – Training and Development Manager

Median annual salary: $87,700

Training and development managers are in charge of all facets of employees’ training, education within the corporation, and career development. They organize orientation sessions for new employees, training sessions for all employees, personal development courses and any other in-person training that employees require to build their careers. Training and development managers are also in charge of composing any training collateral for staff, including manuals and books. People in this position must have excellent people skills, as they commonly hold meetings that require employee interest and motivation. Training and development managers should also have deep knowledge of the laws and compliance requirements within their workplace, so that they can keep employees up to date.

#4 – Compensation and Benefits Manager

Median annual salary: $94,291

Compensation and benefits managers are in charge of selecting and implementing the compensation and benefits programs for their corporations. Such managers use their grasp of corporate policy, insurance, and different benefits programs to pick the perfect programs for their company’s employees. They review and modify compensation and benefits programs, making sure such programs enable their business to attract and retain top talent. Compensation and benefits managers must have an excellent grasp of both pay and perks—how they work, how they must be allocated and matching what employees demand with the company’s budgetary constraints. A compensation and benefits manager generally has at least five years of experience in the field.

#3 – Human Resources Manager

Median annual salary: $96,130

A human resources manager is an HR generalist who oversees staffing, benefits, training, labor relations, compensation and all other components of a company’s human resources department. HR managers ensure that all procedures are compliant with both company policies and business laws. Human resources managers spearhead teams of recruiters and other specialists, create and facilitate projects, tackles problems and communicate with the director and executive level of a corporate management team. HR managers generally have at least five years of human resources experiences and come from a generalist background, or have the ability to competently juggle an array of human resources tasks.

#2 – Human Resources Director

Median annual salary: $142,860

A human resources director is in charge of all human resources activity in a company. That includes creating and implementing company-wide policies, recruitment and retention of employees, insurance, pensions, promotions, the termination of employees and benefits. HR directors also study the industry to devise a compensation system that both attracts talent and takes the employer’s cash flow into consideration. An HR director ensures the morale of existing employees by designing programs and benefits plans that keep employees motivated and working hard. In order to fit personnel activities within the company’s strategy, the human resources director must also ensure that all activities fit within the company’s budget. HR directors generally have around a decade of experience in the human resources field, and many get promoted into the position from an HR manager post.

#1 – Chief HR Officer/Vice President of Human Resources

Average annual salary: $214, 427

The Chief HR Officer is in charge of all of the human resources systems, policies and goals within a company. The CHRO oversees every aspect of the human resources department, from recruiting and hiring to training and development, as well as contracts, labor relations, benefits, services to employees, disputes, policy creation, and more. The CHRO, as part of the executive management team, reports to the CEO and is intimately involved with the strategic direction of the company. The Chief HR Officer should have one or two decades of experience in positions of increasing responsibility in corporate human resources, as well as well-honed decisionmaking and judgment skills.

The HR Capitalist (Run by Kris Dunn)

This blog was founded by the man behind Fistful of Talent (featured next) – an irreverent, but insightful young HR pro with a bone to pick.  Both blogs are geared towards jerking HR out of the dinosaur age and ramping up operations in order to keep them in-line with modern workplace trends, concerns and technologies.

Kris describes himself as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Kinetix and the former VP of People for DAXKO.  He carries a MAE in Education from UAB and a MPPM from Birmingham-Southern College, as well as over 10 years of real-world experience.  The HR Capitalist was founded in 2006 with the goal of “building a community [Kris] could learn from.”  Now, he’s a master – so check it out today!

Fistful of Talent (Run by Kris Dunn)

In addition to sharing general and specific insights and advancements in HR, Dunn also shares talent management and recruitment specific advice on his “other” blog, found at the link above.

HR Ringleader (Run by Trisha McFarlane)

Trisha is an HR Director and strategist, as well as a sought-after new media speaker and consultant.  She’s also co-founder of HREvolution and WomenOfHR.com.  In addition to being listed as one of the Top 100 Influencers in HR, Trisha is a prolific Tweeter who “demonstrates an astonishing combination of online networking, good grass roots organizational development, network finesse and working excellence in the profession.”

True Faith HR (Run by Dr. Matthew Stollak)

Stollack is a well-regarded, award-winning professor at St. Norbert College’s renowned HR program.  In addition to carrying around the 2007 Green Bay Area SHRM Member of the Year and 2006 SHRM National Advisor of the Year awards, he breathes enthusiasm into all of his students and carries that same excitement online on his blog.  Stollak specializes in human capital issues, but never lets his “book learning” get in the way of his friendly and open demeanor, making his site a fun and educational read for anyone who’s involved in HR issues.

Monster Thinking (Run by Eric Winegardner)

Winegardner is the VP of Client Adoption for Monster.com and listed as one of the Top 100 Influencers in HR.  He’s essentially “the public face of Monster.com” (at least, in the recruiting community) and makes his way around the country spreading the wisdom collected by one of the largest online recruitment and job search websites in the world.

Unlike previous (and future) blogs on this list, the blog isn’t solely the domain of Winegardner.  It’s a clearing house – a sort of melding of the minds – for HR professionals from all walks of life.  What it lacks in style and pizazz, it more than makes up for with piles of information, data and insight.

Omega HR Solutions (Run by Mike Haberman)

Mike calls himself a Human Resources consultant and “all around curious guy,” as well as a blogger of HR observations, teacher, speaker and advisor.  Haberman is a proud HR generalist (though he does focus on employment compliance and supervisory training) and offers a wide variety of advice, observations and critical insights on all aspects of HR life.  Haberman’s 13 years of experience are an excellent resource for small businesses and business owners alike.

TLNT (Run by various authors)

This blog is the top socially-shared HR blog on the internet, with over 50,000 “shares” on various social sites.  That makes it worth a look, even if you’d rather be reading sassy observations from witty HR veterans.  TLNT is the website to go to for “the business of HR.”  From the basics through advanced topics, TLNT deals with recruiting, legal needs, management training, benefits, technology and more, with tons of archived info on pretty much any aspect of HR you could ask for.

The HR Bartender (Run by Sharlyn Lauby)

Lauby is an HR pro turned consultant who created the HR Bartender “so people would have a friendly place to discuss workplace issues.”  Expect a healthy dose of personal advice and maybe even some real-life bleeding into the HR info on this blog.  Lauby is a foodie and finds that act of discussing (and eating) dishes to be universal ice breakers, so expect to read about her breakfast, lunch and dinner.  But behind it all, Lauby’s interesting and friendly insights into the often-frustrating world of HR professionals are truly pearls of wisdom.

The Cynical Girl (Run by Laurie Ruettimann)

This very irreverent (and funny) look at the word of HR through the eyes of someone who’s been in the business long enough to know better will make you cry with laughter.  Ruettimann is currently a columnist for The Conference Board Review, an advisor to SmartBrief and an active author with The New York Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and CFO magazine (among others).  As the creator of the now-defunct PunkRockHR, Ruettimann is also the cofounder of HRM Today – the first social network for HR professionals.  Be aware – she may or may not have an obsession with cats that comes up on this blog.

Steve Boese’s HR Technology (Run by Steve Boese)

Steve Boese is currently on the product strategy team at Oracle and is a 15-year veteran of the HR world.  The name of his blog says it all – it’s one of the best online resources for info on up-and-coming HR tech.  Not to mention, it’s funny.  It’s also the official publication point of the HR Happy Hour Podcast, making it worth a look for HR specialists and generalists alike.

These HR bloggers really are the cream of the crop, many with a decade or more of experience under their belts at some of the largest companies in the country.  No doubt you’ll find something that suits your fancy – whether you work in the field of HR yourself or simply handle HR responsibilities as part of your managerial role.

DHL Express

Logistics group DHL Express reigns as one of East Africa’s top employers. Sure parcels and printed documents may sound a bit dry, but these guys really go the extra mile when it comes to their employees. So much so, that the Top Employers Institute (TEI), an independent research firm, dubbed DHL Express a Top Employer in Africa — the exclusive status was also extended to the company’s national operations in Kenya and Uganda.

Charles Brewer, managing director of DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa, says that having a motivated workforce is a key pillar of their strategy. The company is known for its exceptional employee development programs, training, and engagement. High-potential employees are paired with a mentor in DHL’s International Mentoring Program. The company also offers an online learning portal, where employees can access everything from language classes to management methods. Did we mention they offer competitive pay and an opportunity work with people from all over the world?

East African Breweries Ltd

For obvious reasons, working for East Africa’s largest alcohol beverage company sounds pretty darn good, and East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) is no exception. But don’t expect to find boozy slackers here — they’re serious about business and employee development. In a 2014 Deloitte survey, EABL workers voted the brewery the best company to work for in Kenya.

The company’s workforce is particularly pleased with the employee-friendly work environment, solid career progression paths, and competitive compensation and benefit packages.

Need more inspiration? Their guiding purpose is to, “Celebrate life every day, everywhere”.

Although EABL is headquartered in Kenya, the company has subsidiaries and distributors in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Century Bottling Company

There must be something in the water at these beverage companies. Uganda’s Century Bottling Company, owned by Coca-Cola Sabco, scooped up the Employer of the Year Award from the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) in 2011, after two years as first runner-up.

What’s so special about a bottling facility you ask? Well, generous medical insurance and travel allowances for one thing and progressive talent management strategies for another. The company also promotes family-friendly policies and work-life balance initiatives.

Unilever East Africa

When it comes to employee health and well-being, consumer goods company Unilever is arguably the best employer the region. The same 2011 FUE survey that crowned Century Bottling Company as Uganda’s top employer also singled out Unilever’s medical benefits package as among the country’s best. Unilever Uganda provides medical coverage not only to employees but also their spouses and dependents.

This year, the TEI awarded Unilever Kenya its coveted Top Employers Africa and Top Employers Kenya certifications. The reason?

According to TEI, “Our comprehensive independent research revealed that Unilever Kenya provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures and develops talent throughout all levels of the organization and has demonstrated its leadership status in the HR environment, always striving to optimize its employment practices and to develop its employees.” Sounds pretty good, huh?

MTN Uganda

Google Kenya

Google tops best-employer lists worldwide. We’ve all heard the stories of gorgeous offices, free gourmet food, and complimentary massages. Alas, those insane benefits vary by location but no matter where you are, Google provides generous maternity and paternity leave, free travel insurance, complimentary legal advice, and reimbursement for career-related courses.

You’re also guaranteed to be working with cutting-edge technology and brilliant people. So if you thrive on being an early adopter who hangs around, well, other early adopters, then it doesn’t get much better than Google.

The Serena Group

The Serena Group operates 32 luxury resorts, safari lodges, and hotels throughout East Africa. While we’d love to just lounge around the pool at one of their super plush hotels, we understand that doesn’t pay the bills, much less the restaurant tab we’d be tempted to rack up. Luckily, the hotel offers remarkable career advancement opportunities along with competitive compensation and benefits.

Then you’ve got the fringe perks, which include comprehensive employee training programs, a free staff medical clinic on each Serena property, a pension and life insurance scheme, and an employee savings and credit group. Did we mention they also provide accommodation, meals, and transport for staff at lodges?

Nation Media Group

Most of us associate media jobs with long hours and low pay. But East and Central Africa’s largest media group, Nation Media Group (NMG) was named among the top five best companies to work for in Kenya in 2012 and 2013 by consulting firm Deloitte East Africa.

NMG offers competitive pay and benefits, but its key strengths include workplace culture, organizational ethics, human resource processes, and employee confidence. Plus, employees are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback, which NMG takes feedback seriously. If you want to feel like your voice is being heard within a company and a regional audience, this is the place to be.

We think tech firms are pretty cool, and Techno Brain, a leading software solutions provider, fits the bill. In 2011, the firm was listed among the top 10 mid-sized companies in Tanzania, based on a survey by Mwananchi Communications Ltd, KPMG, and Tanzania National Bank of Commerce.

Manoj Shanker, CEO of Techno Brain Group, makes it clear that the company’s culture is key. “The top 10 ranking confirms the company’s commitment to bringing about innovation and its belief in a work culture that values creativity, teamwork and leadership,” he said in a statement.

If you happen to be following Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s career playbook, you’ll know she recommends grabbing a seat on a “rocket ship” (aka a fast-growing company). Well, this might be your prime spacecraft seat. Last year, Deloitte recognized Techno Brain as the second fastest-growing company in Africa with its Fast50 Africa award.

Karisimbi Business Partners

We’ll admit, generous compensation makes our ears perk up. And Karisimbi Business Partners (KBP), a management consulting firm in Rwanda, has built a reputation for performance-based payment and fairly rewarding employees.

Even better, employees are surrounded by experienced and driven colleagues. Cofounder Greg Urquhart makes it clear in his blog that selecting the best of the best benefits everyone. “Top performers like to work with other top performers. If you lower your hiring standards and accept to bring in mediocre employees, the pressure on and experience of your top employees will also suffer and they may begin to consider other employment options, ” he writes.

Plus, they may just be another rocket ship. In 2012, the Rwanda Development Board recognized KBP as seventh among Rwanda’s top 100 fastest-growing mid-size companies. Better get on board while you can!

1. Institution Of Engineers Of Kenya
For the engineering professionals, this is the right body to join. Members who join the institution according to its website are practicing engineers in the local/and central government departments, parastatals, private industry, consultants, contractors and other persons interested in engineering.

2. The Institute Of Human Resource Management IHRM
(IHRM) is the professional body of Human Resource Management practitioners in Kenya.

Being a member of this professional body has its benefits including given an opportunity to make your personal contribution in the HR profession.

3. Kenya Medical Practitioners And Dentists Board
Its main aim is to regulate the practice of medicine and dentistry in the country apart from ensuring the provision of quality and ethical health care.

Doctors and dentists are eligible to apply in compliance with the board’s rules and regulations.

4. The Institute Of Certified Public Accountants Of Kenya (ICPAK)
This is the professional organization that regulates the activities of all Certified Public Accountants (the CPA (K)s) in Kenya. Professionals in the accounting industry are best suited to join the body.

5. Law Society Of Kenya
The Law Society of Kenya is Kenya’s association that includes all practicing advocates.

It has the mandate to advise and assist members of the legal profession, the government and the larger public in all matters relating to the administration of justice according to its website.

6. The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (BORAK)
This professional body comprises of architects and quantity surveyors and regulates their professions through training, registration and promotion of ethical.

7. Nursing Council Of Kenya
For those in the nursing profession, The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) is a professional body that ensures professionalism in the field is observed through quality education and best practices.

It is the only professional regulatory body for all cadres of nursing and midwives in Kenya.

8. The Media Council Of Kenya
Apart from regulating the media and the conduct and discipline of journalists, the media council of Kenya is also responsible for accreditation of journalists.

Journalists who wish to practice must obtain an accreditation letter from the media council of Kenya by following the required procedures.

9. Marketing Society Of Kenya
MSK is the national umbrella body for all marketers in Kenya whose key mandate is to empower and regulate the marketing industry.

For those in the marketing industry, this is the best body to join.

10. Kenya Association of Project Managers
Kenya Association of Project Managers (KAPM) is a professional body of Project Planning and Management professionals operating in Kenya.

The body focuses on four major areas such as Project Finance, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management Information Systems and Project Planning, Design and Implementation

11. Kenya Institute Of Supplies Management
KISM is a national body for professionals in the practice of procurement and supplies management in Kenya.

1. University of Nairobi
Listed as one of the oldest universities in Kenya, Nairobi remains on the top list as a top institution of higher learning not only in Kenya but on world rankings is positioned 907.

The university which has produced famous influential personalities in the country is famous for engineering and science courses.

2. Kenyatta university
The university is well known for exemplary courses such as education among others.

Headed by Professor Olive Mugenda who is the vice chancellor, it is also famously known for producing top successful and influential individuals in the country.

3. Jomo Kenyatta University of agriculture and technology (JKUAT)
It is also one of the oldest universities as it was established in 1981.

With strong research interest in the areas of biotechnology and engineering, the university offers courses in science, building sciences, engineering as well as architecture.

4. Strathmore university
It is one of the highest ranked private universities in Kenya.

With an outstanding attention and triumph in commerce as well as information technology, Strathmore is a leading private university in Kenya.

5. Moi university
Closing on the list is Moi University which was founded in 1984.

Located in Eldoret, the university boasts of excellent work and learning settings.

The bigger question here is does it matter which university one attended and will it ever affect your chances of getting a job?

1. Accounting & Finance jobs

According to a recently released economic survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Accounting professionals were the highly paid of professions both in the public sector and second in the private. This then means that Accountants still lists among the best paying jobs in Kenya with each professional taking home an average of KSh 130,000 per month, and this could be more depending on the organization.

Being that every organization needs accounting personnel, the profession remains among the most marketable courses in Kenya and in return, one of the best paid jobs. The professionals are also at a better position to negotiate their salaries as they handle the numbers and can tell if the organization is raking in profits or not.

2. Procurement & Logistics jobs

Odd as this provision may appear among the list of best paying jobs in Kenya, the 2016 economic survey puts jobs in supply chain management second to finance jobs. According to the survey, those working in procurement get paid an average of KSh 122,000 per month in salaries. So, why not take up a job in this sector.

You will be required to have the necessary qualifications and training, not to add relevant on job experience. So, is this a sector you may want to try your luck?

3. Engineering As One Of the Best Paying Jobs In Kenya

While not all departments of engineering pay very well, if you specialize in the right engineering sector you will be smiling to the bank to cash in a fat paycheck. The country is growing towards development, meaning there will be a constant need for civil and structural engineers, energy engineers and those in geospatial.

And as demand grows, so will be the pay to expect, especially with the discovery of oil and potential growth in the sectors. Depending on your years of experience and the organization you work for, as a project engineer you can earn between 100 and 500K. If you work for a multinational or international NGO, this amount can be more.

4. Medicine

A list of best paying jobs in not complete without the medicine profession. An old one in the game and one of the courses that every parent wanted their children to study, medicine has always paid well and continues to pay good money in salary. Whether employed or self-employed, you can always count on medicine as a lucrative career that will pay for both your bills and vacations.

With the current state of the health sector, the recently released survey confirms that demand for doctors, nurses and those in pharmaceuticals continues to rise every year.

5. Information Technology

When it comes to IT, you will not be getting a good salary if you only have a basic IT degree and related skills as your qualifications. To excel in the ever-changing and advancing Information Technology world, you will require added professional certifications and specialization in the engineering side of IT.

Most organizations are now looking to hire software, web and mobile app developers and any other ICT professional that is good in coding and programming. So, do you have the necessary skills to earn a good pay in ICT? If you don’t, it might be time to invest in new additional course to help you advance in your career.

Best paying jobs are not as easy to find and get, as a job seeker you will be required to be smart enough to get selected over other suitably qualified candidates. And the best way to do this is to keep up with the habits of successful job seekers.