HR Officer

Reports to: HR Manager

Location: Paramaribo, Suriname

Description

As our HR Officer, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Human Resources department (which exist of 3 other HR employees) and ensuring that HR processes are carried out accurately and efficiently. You serve as a key point of contact for employees and provide administrative and organizational support across a wide range of HR activities.

In this role, you maintain employee records, support recruitment and onboarding processes, assist with payroll administration, and ensure compliance with labor regulations and company policies. You work closely with the HR team, management team, and employees across our locations in Paramaribo, Nickerie, and Guyana.

This position requires someone who is organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and able to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Requirements

Education: Diploma or Degree in Human Resources Management or a related field (HBO level or equivalent)
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar HR position
Language: Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, written and spoken
Technical Skills:
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook
• Experience with payrolling is a must, experience with Celery is an advantage
Knowledge:
• Good understanding of Surinamese labor laws and regulations
• Knowledge of HR administration and payroll processes

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain and update HR records and employee data for the Paramaribo, Nickerie, and Guyana locations
  • Perform HR administrative and organizational tasks related to employee onboarding, transfers, and offboarding
  • Maintain digital employee files
  • Support and facilitate the onboarding and orientation of new employees
  • Register, monitor, and report leave requests, absenteeism, and sick leave
  • Provide employees with information and guidance regarding HR-related matters, salaries, and labor regulations
  • Serve as the contact person for external organizations, including health insurance providers and pension funds
  • Assist with payroll administration and employee data management in Celery
  • Support recruitment and selection activities, including coordinating interviews and onboarding new hires
  • Prepare HR reports, statistics, and management overviews
  • Support the management team with HR-related matters
  • Assist in planning and organizing company events and employee activities

Key Competencies

Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with employees, management, and external stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality.
Organization & Planning: Effectively manages multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Accuracy: Demonstrates strong attention to detail and ensures information is processed correctly and efficiently.
Integrity: Maintains the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information and HR matters. Demonstrates honesty, discretion, and sound judgment in all interactions and decision-making processes.
Initiative: Takes a proactive approach to identifying improvements, solving problems, and supporting HR objectives.
Interpersonal Skills: Builds positive working relationships and provides professional support to employees across all levels of the organization.
Independence & Responsibility: Works independently, exercises sound judgment, and handles sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

What we offer

🏢 A dynamic working environment
 Join a growing, family-owned company with over 25 years of experience in import, wholesale, retail, and travel retail across Suriname and Guyana. You’ll be part of a dedicated team working with international suppliers and serving a broad local customer base.

📦 Diverse product and task portfolio
 Work with a wide range of categories—from spirits & wines, food & non-food to fashion and duty-free products—across offices, bonded warehouses, retail stores, and border locations.

🚛 Strong logistics backbone
 Benefit from a well-organized back office and our own fleet of distribution vehicles, including bonded warehouse facilities in both countries. This ensures optimal stock availability and reliable deliveries.

🌍 International partnerships
 Collaborate directly with global brands and suppliers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in building sustainable partnerships while sharpening your commercial and brand development skills.

📈 Growth & development opportunities
 We value teamwork, ownership, quality, service, and respect. At Simextra Group, you’ll have the chance to grow—both within your role and across our expanding organization.

🏬 Varied and future-focused work
 Whether you’re in import & distribution, retail, brand management, or travel retail, every day offers new challenges and opportunities in fast-moving markets.

🤝 A supportive and professional team
 Join a team of driven professionals in a collaborative culture where openness, initiative, and accountability are encouraged.