Human Resources
- Team: 15 employees (local designers, sales staff, logistics).
- Training: Partnerships with Ethiopian fashion institutes.
Discussion
**Expanded Human Resources Strategy for Boaz Trading PLC**
### **1. Team Structure and Roles**
The 15-employee team is strategically organized to align with the company’s dual focus on local authenticity and global appeal:
| **Department** | **Roles & Responsibilities** | **Headcount** |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|
| **Design & Production** | - **Lead Designer**: Oversees fusion of Ethiopian motifs with global trends.
- **Textile Artisans**: Handcraft premium Cannes Collection details (e.g., embroidery).
- **Pattern Makers**: Optimize fabric usage for cost efficiency. | 5 (1 lead, 4 designers/artisans) |
| **Sales & Marketing** | - **Store Managers**: Oversee Addis flagship and pop-ups.
- **E-Commerce Specialists**: Manage Shopify/Amazon platforms.
- **Influencer Liaisons**: Coordinate partnerships with Ethiopian celebrities. | 6 (2 store managers, 3 digital sales, 1 marketing) |
| **Logistics & Supply Chain** | - **Procurement Officer**: Source organic cotton and manage supplier relationships.
- **Export Compliance Manager**: Ensure AGOA/EU standards.
- **Inventory Coordinator**: Optimize stock levels across channels. | 4 (1 procurement, 1 compliance, 2 inventory) |
**Leadership**:
- **CEO/Founder**: Strategic vision and global partnerships.
- **Operations Manager**: Day-to-day oversight of production and logistics.
---
### **2. Recruitment Strategy**
- **Local Talent Focus**: Prioritize hires from Ethiopian fashion hubs (Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar) with expertise in traditional crafts.
- **Partnership-Driven Recruitment**: Collaborate with **Ethiopian Fashion & Textile Institute (EFTI)** and **Hawassa University** for internships and job placements.
- **Diaspora Engagement**: Target Ethiopian returnees with international experience in luxury fashion or e-commerce.
---
### **3. Training & Development**
**Partnerships**:
- **Ethiopian Fashion & Textile Institute (EFTI)**:
- **Certification Programs**: GOTS compliance, sustainable dyeing techniques.
- **Workshops**: Digital design tools (Adobe Suite, CLO3D) for modernizing traditional patterns.
- **Addis Ababa University**:
- **Export Compliance Training**: AGOA documentation, EU REACH regulations.
- **Language Skills**: English/French courses for international client interactions.
**Internal Programs**:
- **Cultural Storytelling Bootcamps**: Train sales teams to articulate the heritage behind designs (e.g., Lalibela Cross motifs).
- **Tech Upskilling**: Logistics staff learn IoT inventory tracking via Safaricom’s platform.
- **Sustainability Masterclasses**: Partner with **Farm Africa** to teach circular economy practices.
---
### **4. Employee Retention & Benefits**
- **Competitive Compensation**:
- Salaries 15% above market average (e.g., designers: 12,000 ETB/month vs. industry 10,000 ETB).
- Performance bonuses tied to sales targets and sustainability metrics.
- **Career Pathways**:
- Artisans can advance to “Master Craftsperson” roles with equity incentives.
- Sales staff promoted to regional managers for East African expansion.
- **Work-Life Balance**:
- Flexible hours during cultural festivals (e.g., Meskel).
- On-site childcare at Hawassa production facility.
---
### **5. Compliance & Ethics**
- **Labor Standards**: Adhere to Ethiopia’s 2022 Labor Proclamation, including 40-hour workweeks and overtime pay.
- **Health & Safety**: Monthly audits at production sites; PPE provided for dyeing/stitching teams.
- **Ethical Sourcing**: Publish annual transparency reports via blockchain (VeChain) to verify fair wages for farmers.
---
### **6. Community Impact**
- **Artisan Empowerment**: Train 50 rural weavers annually through EFTI partnerships, integrating their techniques into collections.
- **Youth Employment**: Reserve 30% of entry-level roles for graduates of **Addis Ababa Technical School**.
---
### **KPIs for Success**
- **Training Effectiveness**: 90% completion rate for compliance programs; 50% boost in designer productivity post-upskilling.
- **Retention**: 85% employee retention Year 1.
- **Community Impact**: 100 artisans trained by 2025.
By prioritizing skill development, ethical practices, and cultural pride, Boaz Trading PLC’s HR strategy ensures a motivated team capable of driving both local relevance and global growth.
### **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.
---
#### **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
---
#### **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.
---
#### **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.
---
#### **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.
---
#### **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.
---
#### **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.
---
### **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.
---
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.
**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.