**Expanded Human Resources Strategy for Boaz Trading PLC**
Boaz Trading PLC’s human capital plan prioritizes talent development, cultural alignment, and operational efficiency. Below is a detailed breakdown of the team structure, training programs, and employee engagement strategies:
---
### **1. Team Structure & Roles**
**Total Employees**: 15 (Year 1)
**Departmental Allocation**:
1. **Design & Production (5 Employees)**:
- **Lead Designer**: Oversees fusion of Ethiopian heritage with global trends.
- **Textile Technologist**: Manages fabric quality and sustainability certifications.
- **Pattern Makers (2)**: Translate designs into production-ready templates.
- **Artisan Coordinator**: Liaises with local weavers and embroiderers.
2. **Sales & Marketing (5 Employees)**:
- **Retail Manager**: Manages Addis flagship store and pop-up events.
- **E-Commerce Specialist**: Runs Shopify/Amazon platforms and TeleBirr integration.
- **Social Media Coordinator**: Executes TikTok/Instagram campaigns.
- **Sales Associates (2)**: Handle in-store and festival sales.
3. **Logistics & Operations (5 Employees)**:
- **Supply Chain Manager**: Coordinates with Hawassa Industrial Park and Djibouti port.
- **Inventory Controller**: Manages stock levels using ERP software.
- **Quality Assurance Officer**: Ensures compliance with AGOA standards.
- **Delivery Coordinators (2)**: Oversee last-mile logistics via ZayRide partnerships.
---
### **2. Recruitment & Talent Sourcing**
- **Local Designers**: Recruit from **EiTEX (Bahir Dar University)** and **Addis Ababa University’s School of Fine Arts**.
- **Sales Staff**: Target bilingual candidates (Amharic/English) with retail experience in Bole/Kazanchis districts.
- **Logistics**: Hire from Ethiopia’s **Ride Alliance** (former ride-hailing drivers) for delivery expertise.
**Recruitment Channels**:
- **Job Fairs**: Partner with **Ethiopian Women in Manufacturing** for gender-balanced hiring.
- **Internship Programs**: Offer 3-month internships to EiTEX students, with 70% conversion to full-time roles.
---
### **3. Training & Development**
**A. Partnerships with Ethiopian Fashion Institutes**:
- **EiTEX Collaboration**:
- **Curriculum Input**: Co-develop a “Modern Ethiopian Design” course, integrating Boaz’s design philosophy.
- **Guest Lectures**: Lead designers teach monthly classes on cultural storytelling through apparel.
- **Arba Minch University**:
- **Workshops**: Host sustainable dyeing techniques sessions for artisans.
**B. On-the-Job Training**:
- **Technical Skills**: ERP software (Odoo) for logistics staff; Adobe Illustrator upskilling for designers.
- **Soft Skills**: Customer service training for sales teams by **Ethiopian Hospitality Institute**.
**C. Certifications**:
- **GOTS Compliance**: Fund certifications for 100% of production staff.
- **Fair Trade Training**: Partner with **Fair Trade Africa** for ethical sourcing workshops.
---
### **4. Employee Retention & Engagement**
- **Competitive Compensation**:
- **Salaries**: 15–20% above market rates (e.g., designers: 12,000 ETB/month vs. industry avg. 10,000 ETB).
- **Performance Bonuses**: 10% of monthly salary for hitting sales/quality targets.
- **Career Growth**:
- **Promotion Pathways**: Sales associates → Store managers; Pattern makers → Lead designers.
- **Cross-Department Rotations**: Logistics staff train in design for holistic understanding.
- **Cultural Alignment**:
- **Heritage Days**: Monthly team visits to Lalibela or Harar for design inspiration.
- **Profit Sharing**: Allocate 5% of net profits to employee bonuses.
---
### **5. Compliance & Ethics**
- **Labor Laws**: Adhere to Ethiopia’s **Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019** (max 48-hour workweek, overtime pay).
- **Diversity**: Achieve 50% female representation across teams, prioritizing women from cotton-farming communities.
- **Health & Safety**: Equip Hawassa facility with ergonomic tools and air quality monitors.
---
### **6. Performance Management**
- **KPIs by Role**:
| **Role** | **KPIs** |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Lead Designer | 4+ culturally themed collections/year |
| Retail Manager | 80%+ sell-through rate quarterly |
| Supply Chain Manager | 95% on-time delivery rate |
- **Reviews**: Quarterly 360-degree feedback sessions with EiTEX mentors.
---
### **7. Challenges & Mitigation**
- **Skill Gaps**: Address via EiTEX partnerships and subsidized Coursera courses.
- **Attrition**: Offer retention bonuses (5% of annual salary for 2-year commitments).
---
By investing in local talent and fostering a culture of innovation and heritage, Boaz Trading PLC ensures a motivated workforce capable of scaling Ethiopia’s next iconic brand.