About the role
The Head, People Infrastructure and Governance role owns the foundation the entire People function and the wider business run on. You will be responsible for the systems, data, payroll, benefits, compliance, workplace, travel logistics, and policy infrastructure that keeps the organisation running cleanly and lawfully across every market we operate in.
This is deliberately not a transaction processing role. In a fast-moving, regulated, multi-country environment, this function is a strategic control point, and we are looking for someone who will design and build it as such. You will be expected to bring discipline, automation, and strong governance to areas that have historically depended on manual effort, and to free the rest of the People team and the business to focus on growth.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
People Systems and Data
Own the HRIS as the single system of record, including its selection, implementation, configuration, and ongoing optimisation
Establish strong employee data governance, ensuring data is accurate, secure, well structured, and reportable
Build the reporting and analytics layer that turns people data into reliable insight for leadership
Ensure personal information of customers, employees, and partners is processed and protected in line with data privacy laws and global best practices
Payroll and Benefits
Own end-to-end payroll across all markets, ensuring it is accurate, timely, and fully compliant with local statutory requirements
Manage benefits administration, including group life insurance, health insurance, and other employee benefits, with strong vendor and broker relationships
Lead benefits renewals and continually optimise cost and value across markets
Compliance, Governance, and Audit
Own the statutory and regulatory compliance of the People function across every market
Lead internal and external people audits, maintaining clean records and strong audit trails
Build and maintain the policy framework, ensuring policies are current, consistent, and properly governed
Real Estate and Workplace Management
Own the end-to-end real estate portfolio, including identification, negotiation, and management of office leases and rental agreements across all locations
Oversee office facility management, including maintenance, space planning, and ensuring all work environments meet operational and safety standards
Manage security vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring adequate and cost-effective physical security across all office locations
Oversee utility management, including electricity, internet, water, and other essential services, ensuring continuity and cost discipline
Manage workplace vendor relationships and contracts in partnership with the business, including cleaning, facilities maintenance, and building services
Ensure all offices are well-equipped, compliant with local regulations, and provide a productive working environment
Travel Logistics
Own and manage the organisation’s corporate travel framework, including travel policies, booking processes, and approved vendor relationships
Oversee end-to-end travel coordination for employees across all markets, including flights, accommodation, ground transportation, and visa/travel documentation support
Manage relationships with travel management companies, hotels, and transport providers, negotiating favourable corporate rates
Ensure travel spend is tracked, reported, and optimised, with clear cost discipline and policy compliance
Work closely with Finance and People teams to ensure seamless reimbursement and expense management for business travel
Administrative Expenses
Manage administrative expenses with a clear focus on cost discipline and value
Oversee workplace and administrative vendor relationships and contracts
Track and report on administrative spend, identifying opportunities for optimisation across markets
Leadership
Lead, develop, and grow a small, high-performing team, building genuine capability and depth
Replace manual, repetitive work with well-designed processes and the right tooling
Operate as a trusted partner to the Head of People and Culture and to the broader leadership team.
Required competencies to be a Waver:
Minimum of 10 years’ experience leading HR operations, people infrastructure, or a comparable function, ideally in a multi-country environment
Strong track record in payroll, benefits, and statutory compliance across more than one market, with African market experience a strong advantage
Demonstrated experience selecting and implementing HRIS or related people systems
Experience managing real estate portfolios, facilities, and workplace operations
Hands-on experience managing corporate travel programmes, including vendor and policy management
Comfort owning a budget and managing vendor, broker, and lease relationships
Exposure to a regulated industry such as financial services or technology is an advantage
Relevant professional qualifications in HR, finance, or compliance are an advantage
Other attributes we are looking for:
A builder who is energised by designing systems and processes, not just running them
Strong governance and risk instincts, with high attention to detail and accuracy
Comfortable owning both the people side and the workplace, travel, and cost dimensions of the role
Calm and credible under audit, regulatory, and deadline pressure
A clear communicator who can partner across People, Finance, and the business
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
10 years
