Compensation & Benefits Manager

APA Life Assurance is seeking an experienced and strategic Compensation & Benefits Manager to lead the design, implementation, and management of the company's total rewards framework. This is a critical role within the Human Resources function, responsible for ensuring that APA Life remains a competitive employer of choice in Kenya's insurance sector by offering market-aligned, equitable, and motivating compensation and benefits programs.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in compensation benchmarking, benefits administration, and sales incentive design — particularly within a regulated financial services or insurance environment. You will work closely with HR, Finance, and senior leadership to align people strategies with business objectives and compliance requirements.

• Develop and maintain competitive salary structures encompassing fixed pay, variable incentives, and commission plans tailored to the insurance industry.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and market analyses to ensure compensation packages remain aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with department heads to design and refine performance-based incentive plans for sales teams and other key business functions.
• Oversee annual compensation review cycles including merit increases, promotions, and bonus distributions.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan wage laws, pay equity standards, and executive compensation regulations.
• Design and administer employee benefits programs including group health insurance, retirement/pension plans, disability coverage, and employee wellness initiatives.
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to existing benefit offerings to maintain competitiveness in the insurance marketplace.
• Manage relationships with insurance providers, brokers, and third-party benefits vendors to secure cost-effective, high-quality solutions.
• Oversee benefits enrollment processes and coordinate annual review and renewal activities.
• Develop and manage commission structures and variable pay programs for sales teams, ensuring alignment with revenue targets and business goals.
• Analyze the effectiveness of sales incentive plans and recommend data-driven adjustments to maximize team motivation and performance.
• Develop employee communication strategies to educate staff on compensation structures, benefits programs, and total rewards statements.
• Conduct training sessions for line managers on compensation policies and benefits administration.
• Perform audits of payroll, benefits, and commission structures to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Utilize data analytics to assess compensation trends, employee satisfaction, and program effectiveness, and present findings to senior leadership.
• Conduct internal equity analyses and recommend corrective adjustments to address pay disparities.
• Support talent acquisition efforts by providing competitive compensation insights and offer recommendations.

• Proven ability to design and manage end-to-end compensation frameworks including base pay, bonuses, and commission structures in a financial services or insurance context.
• Demonstrated experience conducting compensation benchmarking using recognized salary surveys and market data tools.
• Ability to interpret and apply Kenyan labor laws, tax regulations, and industry-specific compliance requirements to compensation and benefits programs.
• Experience administering group benefits schemes including medical, pension, and wellness programs, and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build compensation models, conduct equity analyses, and present data-driven recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Track record of designing sales incentive and commission programs that effectively drive performance in a target-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills — able to translate complex reward policies into clear guidance for employees and managers.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms and advanced MS Excel for payroll analytics and reporting.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; a postgraduate qualification or professional HR certification (e.g., CHRP-K, SHRM-CP, WorldatWork CCP) is an added advantage.
• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a dedicated compensation and benefits role, preferably within insurance or financial services.

APA Life Assurance offers a competitive, market-aligned remuneration package commensurate with experience. The estimated monthly gross salary for this role ranges from KES 180,000 to KES 280,000, depending on qualifications and depth of experience. Additional benefits are expected to include medical insurance coverage, a performance bonus, and access to the company's employee wellness programs.

Ideal Candidate: A seasoned HR professional with a specialization in total rewards who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated industry. You are detail-oriented, commercially aware, and passionate about using compensation strategy as a lever for attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent. Experience in the insurance or broader financial services sector in Kenya is a strong differentiator.

Do NOT apply if: You are a generalist HR professional with no hands-on experience in compensation structure design or benefits administration, or if you have fewer than 5 years of relevant HR experience. This role requires demonstrated technical depth in rewards management — not just exposure.

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your compensation and benefits experience, key achievements, and any relevant certifications.
• Write a concise cover letter addressed to the HR team at APA Life Assurance, explaining your suitability for this specific role.
• Submit your application through the APA Life Assurance official careers portal or the job board where this listing was found.
• Ensure your application is submitted before the advertised closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.