Human Resources Partner Director Region Africa

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

THE ROLE

Based in Abidjan, the role supports 1000 employees across 40 countries, with the direct support of a small HR team in Abidjan and a network of Country HR Managers/ Business Partners (HRBPs), who report through a dotted line into this position. The Regional HR Director in turns reports directly to the Regional MD and functionally to VP Human Resources Shipping Lines & Network.

The Africa Regional Office is responsible for overseeing all Group activities throughout the African continent. Its primary role is to define and execute the regional shipping and logistics strategy, ensuring that the Group's objectives are effectively met across diverse markets. In addition to formulating strategy, the office coordinates the operations of local agencies and adapts maritime lines and inland logistics services to cater to the specific needs of each market.

Bringing together essential functions such as sales and marketing, pricing, operations, logistics, finance, HR, and compliance, the office acts as the central hub for regional management. Africa has been identified as a strategic growth area for CMA CGM, and the office is instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime connectivity, developing comprehensive end‑to‑end logistics solutions, and supporting the growth of trade and infrastructure across the continent.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

In this key leadership role, the Human Resource Director will develop strong relationships with company leadership, management, and employees at both a tactical and strategic level, ensuring effective management of HR policies and procedures across the region.

The individual will serve as a strategic partner, aligning corporate HR strategies and business needs into day-to-day operations. The Regional HR Director will also provide expert HR guidance and support to internal client groups, aiming to add significant value to the business and drive operational success.

This individual must be able to work strategically, even though much of the core HR strategy is formulated in France, ensuring ‘fit for purpose’ nuances at a regional and country level. The HR Director will be responsible for overseeing succession planning, talent development, performance management, employee relations, and ensuring HR compliance across the region. The role will also involve driving organizational development initiatives, improving employee engagement, and promoting a high-performance culture throughout the region.

Strategic

Translate regional business objectives into HR programs to support organizational development in the region.

Participate actively in business/strategy planning and support the development of human capital budgets and business plans.

Advise and support Regional Management in HR management and organizational issues, as well as lead HR processes and programs.

Actively support the development of Corporate HR programs and ensure their implementation in the region.

Develop clear, actionable steps to support overall business strategy, ensuring HR programs align with organizational goals.

Consult/inform regional/local management about all relevant HR initiatives.

Act as the values and cultural custodian cross the region, ensuring inclusive and respectful work environments.

HR Policy and Compliance

Design and implement key HR policies and processes in the region, ensuring alignment with global processes.

Ensure smooth running of HR processes and tools in line with global processes.

Implement professional work contracts and ensure compliance with local labour laws in the region.

Manage manpower planning and HR budget to ensure optimal use of resources and alignment with business objectives.

Talent Acquisition and Management

Oversee and align local recruitment policies and procedures, ensuring efficient recruiting across the region.

Support and lead compensation and benefits strategy in alignment with global rewards programs.

Drive people development and engagement by ensuring an effective performance management system and talent pipeline for succession planning

Performance Management and Development

Drive effective performance management processes, ensuring an aligned talent and succession pipeline.

Drive people development and engagement by ensuring talent is nurtured for sustainable growth.

Develop and deliver relevant, effective training programs to targeted audiences within the region.

Employee Relations and Engagement

Drive employee engagement by ensuring that HR processes foster a positive work culture and employee satisfaction.
Actively support the development of Corporate HR programs and ensure their implementation in the region.

HR Reporting and Analysis

Ability to collect and synthesize large quantities of quantitative and qualitative data to inform HR decisions.

Recognize trends and develop recommendations based on data analysis to improve HR operations and business alignment.

Proficiency in Workday a plus, using the system to streamline HR reporting and data analysis

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Bachelor or Master’s degree in human resources or a related field is desirable

At least 15 years of progressive HR generalist experience, with strong multinational experience is preferred

Experience of working in matrix environments supporting multinational or global organizations

Diverse multicounty experience will be required

Change management experience; comfortable in delivering change and transformation

Project management experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English

Come along on CMA CGM adventure !