People Operations Manager – Compensation, Benefits & Payroll
Nairobi
Posted 22 July, 2026
Deadline 05 August, 2026
Human Resources and RecruitmentFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
CrossBoundary is a mission-driven investment firm committed to unlocking the power of capital to make a strong return while creating a lasting difference in frontier markets.
Role Overview
As the People Operations Manager for Compensation, Benefits & Payroll, your primary focus will be transforming, automating, and managing the end-to-end global payroll, employee benefits framework, and compensation structures across multiple international jurisdictions.
Responsibilities
Payroll Operations and Transformation
Own and transform the payroll process: take full ownership of the People side of payroll and redesign it from a manual, fragmented process into a structured, automated, and reliable system.
Own all payroll inputs: manage every payroll update, change, and input feeding into Finance execution each month (new joiners, salary changes, bonuses, deductions, advances, loans, terminations) accurately and on time against the Global Payroll Calendar.
New jurisdictions: complete the New Jurisdiction Payroll Readiness Checklist, document statutory obligations, mandatory benefits, and thirteenth cheque requirements, deliver complete onboarding data packs to Finance, and partner with Finance on payroll provider selection.
Rebuild the monthly rhythm: co-run the monthly HR-Finance review where inputs are agreed and locked, and replace manual tracker steps with structured BambooHR reports and automated workflows.
Own the employee experience: act as the single point of contact for employee payroll queries, triaging between People, Finance, and payroll providers, and building clear FAQs and communications.
Build the Playbook: turn payroll, compensation, and benefits processes into centralized, documented playbooks and self-serve guides.
Design and implement rigorous audit trails for all compensation changes, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and internal financial controls.
Benefits Administration
Audit current benefits coverage across all geographies and team types, design a benefits framework for site-based teams, and lead the phased rollout of locally appropriate packages.
Run periodic reviews of key plans with recommendations for optimization.
Oversee day-to-day benefits administration executed by the People Operations Assistant, ensuring every new hire is enrolled in the right benefits by day one.
Compensation Systems & Operations
Administer complex compensation structures, including annual bonus operations across platforms, salary changes, and effective date management.
Clean up and standardize pay structure conventions in BambooHR so compensation data is consistent, reliable, and reportable.
Design and drive a regular compensation review cycle, and support leadership on compensation philosophy and transparency work.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
9+ years of experience in People Operations or Human Resources, with meaningful depth in payroll, compensation, or benefits, ideally across multiple jurisdictions.
A systems builder who can design and implement processes from the ground up and automate manual tasks.
An owner of outcomes who thrives when given a goal without a blueprint and project-manages self and others to deliver reliable results.
High attention to detail and execution pride in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
A global navigator comfortable with international labor and payroll requirements.
Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills across diverse audiences.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including directing and developing junior team members.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS systems, specifically BambooHR.
