Senior People Specialist

SUMMARY:

Our client is a fintech payments business on a mission to help South African entrepreneurs participate in the digital economy. They need an experienced Senior People Specialist to manage Employee Relations, policy, compliance and selected talent acquisition across their group. This is a hybrid role in Cape Town for someone who combines hands-on ...

POSITION INFO:
Our client is a fintech payments business on a mission to help South African entrepreneurs participate in the digital economy. They need an experienced Senior People Specialist to manage Employee Relations, policy, compliance and selected talent acquisition across their group. This is a hybrid role in Cape Town for someone who combines hands-on people expertise with real comfort using technology, data and AI to improve outcomes. Key Responsibilities Manage Employee Relations and Industrial Relations matters from assessment through conclusion, including misconduct, grievances, poor performance, incapacity, absenteeism and workplace conflict. Conduct workplace investigations, gather and test evidence, interview parties and document findings and recommendations. Coordinate disciplinary hearings and support or represent the company in CCMA matters, including preparation for conciliation and arbitration. Advise managers and employees on appropriate processes, ensuring matters are handled fairly, consistently and in line with company policy and South African employment legislation. Draft and manage Employee Relations documentation, including warnings, suspension letters, hearing notices, investigation and hearing packs, performance improvement plans and outcome letters. Oversee onboarding, probation, offboarding and employee lifecycle changes, ensuring documentation, processes and manager responsibilities are completed. Partner with managers to develop and track meaningful 90-day plans for new employees with clear expectations, priorities and early measures of success. Draft, review and maintain People policies, procedures, templates and manager guides; proactively identify where new or revised policies and processes are required. Maintain People compliance calendar, registers and documentation; coordinate actions for audits, inspections and statutory obligations including Employment Equity, Occupational Health and Safety and POPIA. Maintain and analyse People reports, dashboards and data to identify trends, risks and overdue actions; provide insights and recommendations to the People Experience Manager. Conduct structured values and behavioural interviews for junior roles, develop interview guides and scorecards, and provide evidence-based feedback and recommendations to hiring managers. Requirements 5–7 years' progressive Human Resources or People experience, including independent management of Employee Relations matters from assessment through conclusion. Proven experience with disciplinary processes, CCMA procedures, dispute documentation and representing or supporting employers in hearings, conciliations or arbitrations. Strong practical knowledge of South African employment legislation and experience supporting Employment Equity, Occupational Health and Safety, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and People compliance requirements. Demonstrated experience advising managers across the employee lifecycle: onboarding, probation, performance management, employee changes and offboarding. Practical experience developing, reviewing and implementing People policies, procedures, standard operating procedures and manager guidance. Experience maintaining and interpreting People reports, dashboards and employee data; ability to identify trends, risks and recommend actions. Strong Microsoft 365 capability, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams; demonstrated active use of AI tools in day-to-day work (research, drafting, analysis, reporting, processes or productivity). Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Law, Business Administration or related field. Own vehicle and valid driver's licence. Willingness to travel between offices, including Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with travel to Durban and Johannesburg as needed. Preferred Experience with Power BI or advanced data visualisation tools. Financial services, payments or fintech industry experience. Experience with People systems or managing multiple legal entities. Experience supporting employee engagement, employee feedback or employee experience initiatives.