Human Resources Manager, Kazakhstan

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone.

This exciting role within Human Resources-People function could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.

We are a family-owned global manufacturer of construction materials and within our Group, our 43,500 team members in 90 countries across 320 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

In Asia Pacific, since the 1990s Knauf has been established as a leading and trusted brand for drywall products and system solutions. Today, with over 5,500 experienced, talented, and diversified people operating nearly 35 production facilities and offices across the region, coupled with an extensive expertise-backed sales and support network, our teams deliver the best of Knauf to our customers, while supporting positive changes to the industry and communities where we operate – in Australia, China, Korea, Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

About Knauf Kazakhstan

Knauf Kazakhstan is a leading manufacturer of gypsum-based building materials, including plasterboard drywall systems, serving customers across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The company operates a major manufacturing facility in Kapchagay, mining operations in Taraz, and additional production facilities in other regions of Kazakhstan. As part of the global Knauf Group, the organization combines international best practices with strong local market expertise.

Reporting into Kazakhstan Country Managing Director, we are searching for a Human Resources Manager to join the Kazakhstan leadership team and drive the current and future people agenda.

Can you say yes?

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and executing the full spectrum of HR activities across Knauf Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, supporting both manufacturing and mining operations. The role serves as a strategic business partner to the Country Managing Director while ensuring effective implementation of regional and global HR initiatives.

The successful candidate will drive talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, performance management, compensation and benefits administration, workforce planning, and compliance with Kazakhstan labor regulations. The role requires regular presence at operational sites and close collaboration with regional HR colleagues across the Asia Pacific region.

What you will be doing

HR Business Partnership

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Partner with the Country Managing Director and business leaders to align HR strategies with business objectives.

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Provide proactive HR guidance and support on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, employee engagement, and talent management.

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Support business transformation, organizational restructuring, and change management initiatives where required.

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Act as a trusted advisor to managers on people-related matters.

Talent Acquisition

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Lead recruitment activities for professional, technical, operational, and leadership positions.

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Develop talent pipelines for manufacturing, mining, engineering, and commercial functions.

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Ensure effective onboarding and integration of new employees.

Employee Relations & Labor Compliance

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Maintain positive employee and industrial relations across all sites.

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Ensure compliance with Kazakhstan labor laws and regulations.

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Manage disciplinary processes, grievances, investigations, and conflict resolution matters.

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Provide guidance on employment contracts, policies, and HR procedures.

Performance & Talent Management

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Drive annual performance management processes.

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Support leadership development and employee capability-building initiatives.

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Identify training needs and coordinate learning and development programs.

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Foster a high-performance and accountability culture.

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Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits

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Manage compensation and benefits administration.

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Support salary benchmarking, annual salary review, and incentive programs.

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Ensure payroll inputs and employee records are maintained accurately.

HR Operations & Reporting

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Oversee HR administration and personnel documentation.

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Maintain HR metrics and provide regular reporting to country and regional leadership.

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Ensure data accuracy within HR systems and employee records.

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Manage HR budgets and vendor relationships where applicable.

Regional Collaboration

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Work closely with the APAC Regional HR Team to implement regional HR programs and priorities.

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Support regional initiatives relating to talent, engagement, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

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Participate in regional HR projects and cross-country collaboration activities.

Travel & Work Location Requirements

This role requires regular travel and physical presence at operational locations.

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Three (3) working days per week based at the company’s main manufacturing facility in Kapchagay , with transport support provided.

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Up to two (2) working days per week may be based at the Almaty office .

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Periodic travel to the Taraz mining operation and Inderbor manufacturing facility.

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Additional domestic travel may be required based on business needs.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working in both office and industrial environments and engaging directly with plant and operational employees.

What we would love for you to have

Education

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Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Law, or a related discipline.

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Professional HR certification is an advantage.

Experience

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Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years in a HR managerial position.

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Strong experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, mining, construction materials, or similar operational environments.

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Experience working within a multinational organization is highly preferred.

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Proven ability to partner with senior management and lead HR initiatives independently.

Technical Competencies

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Strong knowledge of Kazakhstan labor legislation and HR best practices.

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Experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.

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Demonstrated ability to drive HR digitalisation and process automation, using systems such as 1C, SAP, Doodocs, or equivalent platforms.

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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Powerpoint)

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Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Language Requirements

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Fluent Kazakh with strong verbal and written communication skills.

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Proficient English for collaboration with regional and global stakeholders.

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Proficient Russian with fair verbal and written communication skills.

Personal Attributes

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Strong business partnering mindset.

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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

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Ability to influence stakeholders across all organizational levels.

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Hands-on, pragmatic, and capable of operating effectively in a manufacturing environment.

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High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

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Self-driven and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with regional teams.

What we offer

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Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a leading multinational building materials company.

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Exposure to Group and Regional HR projects and international best practices.

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Dynamic environment spanning manufacturing, mining, and commercial operations.

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Fair compensation and benefits package.

What happens next?

Your application will be reviewed by our Hiring Team to determine if your experiences and skills are what we are looking for in the role. If you are, our Talent Acquisition representative will contact you promptly to arrange for next steps.