SUMMARY:
Strategic Human Resource Manager | Talent Management | Employee Relations | HR Compliance | Manufacturing
POSITION INFO:
Job Purpose The Human Resource Manager is responsible for leading and managing the full Human Resources function across the organization, ensuring that HR strategies support business objectives and operational excellence within a manufacturing environment. The role is responsible for attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining a high-performing workforce while ensuring compliance with all South African labour legislation and company policies. As a strategic business partner, the Human Resource Manager provides expert guidance to management on people-related matters, fosters positive employee and union relationships, and promotes a productive, safe, and inclusive workplace culture. The incumbent will oversee recruitment, industrial relations, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits, HR administration, payroll support, and employee wellness. The role also assumes responsibility for the management of the biometric time and attendance system, HRIS (People 300), and all HR reporting. Key Responsibilities Strategic Human Resources Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the company''s business objectives. Partner with senior management to provide strategic HR guidance and support. Lead organizational development and change management initiatives. Develop succession planning and workforce planning strategies. Drive employee engagement and organizational culture initiatives. Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Manage the end-to-end recruitment and selection process. Develop sourcing strategies to attract skilled manufacturing and support personnel. Coordinate interviews, assessments, reference checks, and employment offers. Facilitate onboarding and induction programmes. Ensure staffing levels support operational requirements. Build talent pipelines for critical positions. Employee & Industrial Relations Foster positive employee relations across the business. Manage disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, poor performance, and dispute resolution processes. Represent the company during CCMA matters where required. Build and maintain constructive relationships with recognised unions, including NUMSA . Advise management on labour legislation, disciplinary procedures, and employment best practices. Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures. Performance Management Develop, implement, and maintain the company''s performance management system. Support managers with performance reviews and employee development plans. Monitor employee performance and recommend corrective actions where necessary. Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance. Learning and Development Identify organizational and departmental training needs. Coordinate internal and external training programmes. Ensure compliance with Skills Development legislation and mandatory training requirements. Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives. Monitor training effectiveness and maintain accurate training records. Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Support Administer remuneration structures and employee benefit programmes. Conduct salary benchmarking and remuneration reviews. Support payroll by ensuring accurate employee information. Manage employee benefit administration. Ensure payroll-related HR documentation is accurate and submitted on time. Time & Attendance Management Manage the company''s biometric time and attendance system . Monitor employee attendance, absenteeism, overtime, and shift schedules. Investigate attendance discrepancies and resolve system-related issues. Ensure accurate attendance data is provided for payroll processing. Produce attendance reports for management. HR Compliance Ensure compliance with all South African labour legislation. Maintain accurate HR records and employee files. Prepare statutory and management reports. Review and update HR policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA, OHSA, POPIA, and other applicable legislation. Health, Safety & Employee Wellness Support Occupational Health and Safety initiatives. Promote employee wellness programmes. Participate in safety committees where required. Ensure HR compliance with workplace health and safety requirements. HR Administration Manage all employee records using People 300 HRIS . Maintain employment contracts and HR documentation. Process appointments, promotions, transfers, salary changes, and terminations. Prepare HR metrics, workforce analytics, and monthly HR reports. Maintain confidentiality of employee information at all times. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in human resources, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or related field. Professional HR registration (SABPP or equivalent) will be advantageous. Minimum five (5) years'' Human Resources experience. Minimum three (3) years in an HR Management role. Manufacturing industry experience is essential. Knowledge & Experience The successful candidate must demonstrate experience in: South African Labour Legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, SDA, OHSA, POPIA) Industrial Relations (IR) CCMA representation and case management Employee Relations Union engagement, preferably with NUMSA Recruitment and talent acquisition Performance Management Succession Planning Payroll support processes Compensation and Benefits Administration HR Reporting and Workforce Analytics HR Information Systems ( People 300 preferred) Biometric Time and Attendance Systems Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) Working within a unionised manufacturing environment Skills & Competencies Leadership Strong leadership and coaching ability Ability to influence and build credibility Excellent people management skills Communication Excellent verbal and written communication Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills Relationship-building across all organisational levels Industrial Relations Strong disciplinary and grievance management skills Sound understanding of labour law Experience handling complex employee relations matters Ability to represent the organisation professionally at the CCMA Analytical & Problem Solving Excellent analytical ability Strong decision-making skills Ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters Organisational Skills Excellent planning and organisational skills High attention to detail Ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines Personal Attributes High integrity and professionalism Confidential and trustworthy Adaptable and resilient Strong emotional intelligence Customer and employee focused Results driven Proactive with a continuous improvement mindset Working Conditions Based at a manufacturing facility. Combination of office-based and production floor activities. Daily interaction with employees, supervisors, management, and union representatives. Occasional travel to other company sites where required. May be required to work outside normal business hours to meet operational requirements. Reporting To General Manager \/ Managing Director (or as determined by the organisational structure) Union Environment The Human Resource Manager will work within a unionised manufacturing environment and will be responsible for maintaining effective relationships with recognised unions, including NUMSA , while ensuring fair and consistent application of labour legislation and company policies.
