We are bringing the Spinneys experiencepremium quality, freshness, and exceptional serviceto the Philippines. As we establish our footprint in this exciting new market, we are looking for a founding HR Manager to lead our People function.
This is not a maintenance role. It is a build-role. You will be the architect of our local culture, translating our established UAE standards into a high-performing Philippine context. You will build the team that builds the brand.
Mission: To build and lead the HR function for Spinneys Philippines, ensuring we attract, train, and retain a high-performing workforce that delivers our signature premium retail experience. You will serve as the bridge between Spinneys UAE corporate governance and local market nuances.
Key Accountabilities
1. Strategic Setup & Cultural Translation
- The Bridge: Adapt Spinneys UAE policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure full compliance with Philippine Labor Law (DOLE) while maintaining the brand's premium global standards.
- The Build: Lead the setup of the HR infrastructure from scratch, including the selection and implementation of HRIS (Payroll, Timekeeping, and Benefits).
- The Culture: Establish a values-driven culture. You will ensure the Spinneys Way resonates with Filipino employees, fostering a workplace of Malasakit (empathy, compassion, and concern for others), integrity, and service excellence.
2. Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding
- High-Volume & Specialist Hiring: Execute the recruitment roadmap for the initial store launches (butchers, merchandisers, store specialists) and corporate support office.
- Brand Ambassadorship: Move beyond staffing to finding Brand Ambassadors. Partner with hospitality schools and local communities to source talent that understands premium service.
- Onboarding: Design an immersion program that accelerates ramp-up time, ensuring every new hire understands the Spinneys product quality and service ethos before day one.
3. Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations
- Total Rewards: Design competitive salary structures and benefits packages that attract top retail talent in a competitive market.
- Compliance: Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, government reporting (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR), and OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) compliance.
- Policy Creation: Draft the Philippine Employee Handbook and operational playbooks.
4. Performance, Learning & Development
- Retail Training: Partner with UAE Operations teams to localize training materials for fresh food handling, customer service, and merchandising standards.
- Performance Culture: Implement a KPI-driven performance management system that links individual goals to store success.
- Leadership Development: Coach Store Managers and Supervisors on people management, conflict resolution, and labor relations.
5. Employee Relations & Engagement
- Champions of Engagement: Develop programs to minimize attrition in a high-turnover industry. Create a workplace where people love to come to work.
- Fair Practice: act as the primary point of contact for grievances, ensuring due process and strictly adhering to the Labor Code of the Philippines.
The Ideal Candidate
Experience & Education:
- Bachelor's degree in HR, Psychology, or Business.
- 10+ years of HR experience, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
- Non-negotiable: Significant experience in Retail, Hospitality, or FMCG. You must understand store operations, shifts, and the dynamics of a frontline workforce.
- Start-up/JV Experience: Proven track record setting up HR departments from scratch or managing a market entry for an international brand is highly preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Cultural Intelligence: The ability to navigate international reporting lines (UAE) while managing local ground realities.
- Labor Law Expert: Deep knowledge of Philippine Labor Standards and DOLE requirements.
- Gritty & Strategic: Willing to roll up your sleeves to fix a payroll error within one hour, and present a 3-year talent strategy to the Board the next day.
- Communicator: Excellent command of English and Filipino, with the ability to connect with everyone from the Butcher to the Board Director.
