Automotive Dealership Head of HR - Gauteng, Northcliff

SUMMARY:
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Managing Director

Remuneration: Competitive Salary + Benefits Package
Do you want to be part of a dynamic and innovative automotive dealership group with a strong market presence and to Lead a high-performing HR team and make an impactful difference in employee experience and organizational culture. Then this is the job for you!

Purpose Of The Job:
 
Our client is looking for a dynamic, qualified and experienced Head of HR for an Automotive Dealership Group, the candidates’ duties will be to oversee the complete HR function, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, organizational culture, compliance, employee relations, and payroll administration across multiple dealership locations. The ideal candidate will leverage their background in industrial psychology to optimize employee engagement and performance while ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll.
As a strategic HR leader, the Head of HR will also manage payroll systems, ensuring compliance with relevant tax laws, labour regulations, and internal policies, while enhancing the overall employee experience.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities:
HR Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies that align with the organization’s business objectives
• Collaborate with senior leadership to design and execute workforce planning and succession planning strategies
• Provide coaching and guidance to senior leaders on effective leadership, conflict resolution, and talent management
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of HR professionals to execute day-to-day HR functions

• Oversee the recruitment and selection process for all dealership roles, ensuring the right fit for the organization's culture and operational needs
• Use insights from industrial psychology to create selection tools that assess candidates' potential, ensuring fairness and diversity in recruitment
• Maintain strong relationships with recruitment agencies and educational institutions to build a talent pipeline

• Design and implement employee development programs, including training, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives
• Apply psychological assessments and tools to identify developmental needs and career growth opportunities for employees
• Establish and manage performance appraisal systems that are aligned with both individual and organizational goals
• Monitor and improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention across all dealership locations

• Oversee the payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of employee wages and benefits across all dealerships
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure payroll-related data (e.g., taxes, bonuses, deductions) is accurate and compliant with tax laws and company policies
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations and industry standards, including wage laws, overtime, benefits administration, and reporting requirements
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of employee payroll information
• Handle payroll discrepancies, inquiries, and disputes in a professional and timely manner

• Drive initiatives that promote a positive organizational culture focused on inclusivity, high performance, and employee engagement
• Act as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, ensuring they are addressed fairly and in accordance with company policies
• Promote a safe and respectful work environment by managing employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution
• Ensure open communication channels between employees and management to maintain a positive workplace culture

• Ensure compliance with labour laws, payroll regulations, and industry standards across all locations
• Conduct regular audits of HR and payroll processes to identify areas for improvement or potential legal risks
• Stay informed about HR, industrial relations, and payroll best practices to ensure the organization remains compliant and competitive

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) and payroll software
• Collaborate with IT and finance teams to integrate HR and payroll systems with broader company operations, ensuring data accuracy and reporting consistency
• Use data analytics to track and report on HR and payroll metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement in efficiency, cost control, and employee satisfaction

• Degree in Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field
• Professional certifications in HR would be advantageous
• Additional training or certification in payroll management would be a plus

• Minimum of 10 years of HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior or leadership role, within the automotive sector
• Proven experience managing payroll functions in a multi-location environment
• Experience in applying industrial psychology principles to recruitment, employee engagement, and conflict management
• Familiarity with labour laws and payroll regulations (e.g., wage laws, tax codes, benefits, overtime regulations)
• Automotive Industry experience Essential!!

• Strong leadership, team management, and coaching abilities
• Expertise in payroll administration, compliance, and systems
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Deep understanding of HR best practices, employee engagement, and organizational culture
• Strong knowledge of HRIS and payroll software
• Ability to analyse HR and payroll data to make informed decisions and improve business operations

• High emotional intelligence and empathy, with the ability to build trust and rapport at all levels of the organization
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proactive and results-driven with a keen focus on compliance and operational efficiency