HR Manager / Generalist - Cookhouse Creamery

SUMMARY:
Cookhouse Creamery, a proudly South African dairy processing operation, is looking for an experienced, hands-on HR Manager/Generalist to support our factory and site-based teams. This role is ideal for a practical HR professional who is comfortable working on the production floor as well as in the office.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full HR generalist support to management and employees (recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance, discipline, exits).
• Support line managers with HR advice on labour law, policies, procedures and best practice.
• Drive HR administration including contracts, personnel files, HR system updates and reporting.
• Coordinate time and attendance information with payroll, and assist with basic payroll inputs where required.
• Oversee recruitment for factory and support roles (adverts, screening, shortlisting, interviews, offers).
• Lead and support Employment Equity, Skills Development and Health & Safety-related HR requirements.
• Support and coordinate training, inductions and HR-related toolbox talks.
• Build strong relationships with supervisors and employees on the factory floor and address day-to-day HR queries.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum Requirements

• HR qualification (Diploma or Degree in Human Resources/Industrial Psychology or similar).
• At least 5 years’ HR generalist experience.
• Experience in a factory / manufacturing / FMCG environment (dairy/food processing experience advantageous).
• Sound knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practice.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport (travel between sites/for HR-related meetings when required).
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); HR/payroll system experience will be an advantage.
• Willingness to be visible and present on the factory floor, not only office-based.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels (from shop floor to management).
• Practical, solutions-driven approach with the ability to work independently.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational and administration skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information and sensitive employee matters with professionalism.
• Resilient, calm under pressure and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.