Job Description
JOB TITLE: HR Executive
Location: Yaba, Lagos
Job Type: Full-time
Reports To: Operations Manager
Position Level: Mid-level
Work Arrangement: Hybrid - In-office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
About Us
Fernhill Digital is a Nigerian digital transformation and strategic communications agency helping brands build sustainable growth through systematic content strategy and creative excellence. We're looking for an HR Executive to run day-to-day people operations as we systematize our HR processes.
Position Summary
The HR Executive is responsible for executing day-to-day HR operations including recruitment coordination, onboarding/offboarding, Zoho People administration, payroll coordination, employee records management, and serving as first point of contact for employee inquiries. This role requires someone who can run established HR processes reliably, maintain accurate records, and handle routine HR administration professionally.
You'll report to the Operations Manager and work closely with them to execute HR processes they've designed. Your focus is operational excellence - running recruitment cycles smoothly, maintaining the HRIS, coordinating payroll accurately, keeping documentation up-to-date, and ensuring employees have positive experiences with HR processes. This role is about reliable execution rather than strategy development.
What You'll Do
Recruitment Coordination
• Post job openings on recruitment platforms and manage candidate applications
• Screen CVs against established criteria and shortlist candidates for interviews
• Schedule interviews, coordinate with hiring managers, and manage candidate communication
• Conduct reference checks and background verification for final candidates
• Prepare offer letters and employment contracts using existing templates
• Track recruitment metrics and maintain candidate pipeline in the system
Onboarding & Offboarding
• Execute onboarding process for new hires including documentation, orientation scheduling, and first-day coordination
• Ensure all new hire paperwork is completed accurately and filed properly
• Set up new employees in Zoho People and coordinate with IT for account creation
• Conduct new hire orientation covering company policies, workplace standards, and administrative requirements
• Process offboarding for departing employees including exit documentation, final payments, and access revocation
• Conduct exit interviews and document feedback
HRIS Administration (Zoho People)
• Maintain accurate employee records in Zoho People including personal details, contracts, and employment history
• Process leave requests, track attendance, and maintain leave balances
• Generate HR reports as requested by Operations Manager or leadership
• Update organizational charts and employee information as changes occur
• Support employees with Zoho People access and basic troubleshooting
• Ensure data accuracy and run regular data quality checks
Payroll Coordination
• Collect and verify monthly payroll data including attendance, leave, and deductions
• Coordinate with finance team to ensure accurate and timely salary processing
• Process salary adjustments, bonuses, and ad-hoc payments as approved
• Maintain payroll records and ensure statutory deductions are calculated correctly
• Respond to employee payroll queries and resolve discrepancies promptly
• Track pension and tax remittances to ensure compliance
Employee Records & Documentation
• Maintain organized filing system for all employee documents (physical and digital)
• Keep employee handbook and HR policies updated as directed by Operations Manager
• Update contract templates and employment documents when changes are needed
• Ensure employment files contain all required documentation and are audit-ready
• Manage document retention and confidentiality protocols
• Prepare employment verification letters, reference letters, and HR documentation as requested
Benefits Administration
• Coordinate HMO enrollment for new employees and manage annual renewals
• Serve as liaison between employees and HMO provider for benefits inquiries
• Process pension registration and remittance tracking
• Maintain records of employee benefits enrollment and changes
• Coordinate with providers for benefits-related issues and resolutions
Performance Management Support
• Schedule performance review cycles and send reminders to managers and employees
• Track completion of performance reviews and follow up on outstanding submissions
• Maintain performance review records and documentation
• Support managers with performance review administrative questions
Employee Relations
• Serve as first point of contact for employee HR inquiries and questions
• Respond to routine employee questions about policies, leave, benefits, and procedures
• Escalate complex employee relations issues to Operations Manager
• Document employee interactions and maintain confidentiality
• Support workplace conflict resolution as directed by Operations Manager
Employee Engagement
• Organize and coordinate employee engagement activities including team events, celebrations, and recognition programs
• Manage employee recognition initiatives and ensure consistent acknowledgment of achievements
• Coordinate team-building activities, social events, and workplace celebrations
• Gather employee feedback through surveys and informal check-ins
• Support culture initiatives and workplace environment improvements
• Monitor employee engagement signals and report concerns to Operations Manager
Compliance & Reporting
• Track statutory compliance requirements and coordinate timely remittances
• Generate monthly HR reports on headcount, attendance, leave, and turnover
• Maintain employment contracts in compliance with Nigerian labor law
• Track and report HR metrics as requested by Operations Manager
What You'll Need
Essential Requirements:
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in HR operations, HR administration, or people operations roles
• HRIS experience - hands-on experience using HR systems for employee records, attendance, and leave management (Zoho People experience is a plus)
• Recruitment coordination - proven experience managing recruitment processes from posting to offer
• Payroll coordination experience - familiar with Nigerian payroll processes, statutory deductions, and coordination with finance
• Nigerian labor law basics - understanding of employment contracts, leave policies, and statutory requirements
• Strong attention to detail - can maintain accurate records and catch errors before they become problems
• Professional communication - excellent written and verbal communication for employee interactions
• Discretion and confidentiality - handles sensitive employee information appropriately
• Technology proficiency - comfortable with Google Workspace, HR systems, and learning new software
• Organizational skills - can juggle multiple priorities, deadlines, and administrative tasks without dropping balls
• Process-oriented mindset - follows established procedures consistently and flags when processes need improvement
What Will Set You Apart:
• Experience in Nigerian startups, tech companies, or creative agencies
• Direct experience with Zoho People or similar HRIS platforms
• Experience managing HR for 25-50 person teams
• Benefits administration experience (HMO, pension, statutory compliance)
• Employee engagement and culture program coordination experience
• Onboarding program coordination experience
• Customer service mindset for employee interactions
• Experience working with Operations or People teams in scaling companies
• Professional HR certifications (CIPM, SHRM, HRCI)
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or related field
What Makes You Successful Here:
You're detail-obsessed. You catch errors before they happen, maintain meticulous records, and ensure data accuracy without being reminded.
You're reliable. When you say payroll data will be ready by Friday, it's ready by Thursday. People can count on you to follow through consistently.
You're people-friendly. You respond to employee questions patiently and professionally, making HR processes feel approachable rather than bureaucratic.
You're systems-oriented. You follow processes consistently, maintain documentation properly, and flag when something isn't working efficiently.
You're proactive about small things. You notice when a contract is about to expire, when leave balances need reconciliation, or when onboarding documentation is missing - and you handle it.
You're tech-comfortable. You adapt to new systems quickly, troubleshoot basic issues independently, and help others navigate HR tools.
You're discrete. You understand the sensitivity of HR information and maintain confidentiality naturally without being reminded.
You're deadline-driven. Payroll deadlines, statutory remittances, and compliance requirements are non-negotiable to you. You plan ahead to meet them.
You're collaborative. You work well with the Operations Manager, take direction clearly, and support the broader team's needs.
You're adaptable. You handle shifting priorities in a growing company without getting flustered. Things change, and you adjust smoothly.
Why Join Fernhill
Clear processes. Work within established HR frameworks rather than figuring things out from scratch - your Operations Manager provides structure and direction.
Manageable scale. Support 27-35 employees - large enough to matter, small enough to know everyone personally.
Systems-first culture. Join a company that values documentation, processes, and operational excellence - your work maintaining systems is genuinely appreciated.
Professional environment. Work with a team transitioning from startup chaos to systematic operations - be part of establishing professional standards.
Growth exposure. Experience a company scaling toward profitability and see how HR operations support business growth.
Hybrid flexibility. Balance focused remote work with collaborative in-office days (Tuesday-Thursday) at our Yaba location.
Direct impact. Your work directly affects employee experience - from smooth onboarding to accurate payroll to responsive support.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Hybrid work arrangement with structured office days (Tuesday-Thursday)
• Clear reporting structure with Operations Manager providing direction and support
• Established HR processes and systems (Zoho People) to work within
• Professional development through exposure to growing company operations
• Supportive team environment with systematic operations approach
• Opportunity to grow with the company as it scales
• Health benefits and statutory compliance (HMO, pension)
Job Type: Full-time
Ability to commute/relocate:
• Lagos: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:
• Undergraduate (Required)
Experience:
• Human Resources : 3 years (Required)
Location:
• Lagos (Required)