### **Expanded Human Resources Strategy**
**Objective**: Build a skilled, motivated team to drive Boaz Trading PLC’s mission of blending Ethiopian heritage with global appeal, while fostering employee growth and retention.
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#### **1. Team Structure & Roles**
| **Role** | **Number** | **Responsibilities** |
|-------------------------|------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Local Designers** | 4 | Create culturally inspired designs for both Local and Cannes lines. |
| **Sales Staff** | 5 | Manage flagship store, kiosks, and e-commerce platforms; focus on customer experience.|
| **Logistics Team** | 3 | Oversee supply chain, inventory, and export/import compliance. |
| **Marketing Coordinators** | 2 | Execute social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and event activations. |
| **Operations Manager** | 1 | Coordinate cross-department workflows and ensure alignment with business goals. |
**Total Team**: 15 employees
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#### **2. Recruitment Strategy**
- **Local Talent Focus**: Prioritize hiring Ethiopian nationals, with an emphasis on gender diversity (target: 50% female workforce).
- **University Partnerships**: Recruit graduates from **EiTEX (Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology)** and **Addis Ababa University** for design and logistics roles.
- **Artisan Collaboration**: Engage traditional *shemane* (weavers) from Bahir Dar and Aksum as freelance consultants for premium collections.
**Recruitment Channels**:
- Job fairs at EiTEX.
- LinkedIn and Telegram job postings.
- Referral bonuses for employees.
---
#### **3. Training & Development**
- **Design Innovation**:
- **EiTEX Partnership**: 6-month certification program in sustainable textile design for local designers.
- **Cannes Line Workshops**: Training with international stylists on luxury market trends.
- **Sales & Customer Service**:
- **E-Commerce Training**: Shopify and TeleBirr payment system workshops.
- **Cultural Storytelling**: Educate staff on the heritage behind designs to enhance customer engagement.
- **Logistics Excellence**:
- **AGOA Compliance Training**: Ensure adherence to U.S. export standards.
- **Blockchain Tracking**: Safaricom-led workshops on IoT-enabled supply chain tools.
**Metrics**:
- 100% of employees complete onboarding.
- 80% attend ≥2 skill-building workshops annually.
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#### **4. Employee Well-being & Retention**
- **Benefits**:
- Health insurance via **Nyala Insurance**.
- 30% employee discount on Boaz products.
- Transportation allowances (500 ETB/month).
- **Retention Strategies**:
- **Career Pathways**: Promote from within (e.g., sales associate → store manager).
- **Performance Bonuses**: Award top performers with 10% of monthly salary quarterly.
- **Flexible Hours**: Accommodate students and working parents.
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#### **5. Organizational Culture**
- **Core Values**:
- **Cultural Pride**: Celebrate Ethiopian holidays (e.g., Meskel, Timket) with team events.
- **Sustainability**: Monthly “Green Innovator” awards for eco-friendly ideas.
- **Community Impact**: Volunteer days at organic cotton farms or schools.
- **Inclusivity**: Amharic and English as workplace languages to bridge generational gaps.
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#### **6. Strategic Partnerships**
- **EiTEX**: Co-develop a curriculum blending traditional weaving with digital design.
- **Fashion Revolution Ethiopia**: Ethics and sustainability training for managers.
- **Hawassa Industrial Park**: Apprenticeships for logistics staff in solar-powered manufacturing.
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#### **Risk Mitigation**
- **Skill Gaps**: Partner with **GIZ (German Development Agency)** for technical training grants.
- **High Turnover**: Conduct quarterly engagement surveys; adjust benefits based on feedback.
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### **Alignment with Business Goals**
- **Local Designers**: Ensure authenticity in collections, resonating with Ethiopian and diaspora markets.
- **Trained Sales Staff**: Drive customer loyalty through storytelling, boosting repeat purchases.
- **Efficient Logistics**: Reduce lead times by 25%, supporting the 18% ROI target.
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By investing in talent development and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, Boaz Trading PLC positions itself as both a market leader and employer of choice in Ethiopia’s growing textile sector.