HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER 2025

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering high quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record and an excellent reputation in sport, music, drama, art and debating.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to join our HR team as St John’s College is increasing its Human Resource function’s capacity to ensure an effective partnership with all staff in fulfilling the School’s strategy. This role is a mid-level position and the HRBP will report to the Head of Human Resources. This is a critical role that will serve as a key partner to leadership, Schools and departments.

The HRBP will manage specific portfolios and take ownership of HR support for specific Schools and Departments within St John’s College. The HRBP will play a key role in driving Human Resource initiatives that align with St John’s strategy, motto, values and objectives, while also providing guidance and support that contributes to a positive employee experience.

Main Responsibilities

Partnering

1. Advise Heads and school management on HR strategies to support talent, engagement and retention
2. Ensure effective application of HR policies, compliance, and best practices across the Schools
3. Empower leaders to enhance capabilities and support successful change initiatives
4. Build relationships to deliver HR services that foster a culture of continuous learning, development, and service excellence
5. Optimise HR systems and processes for accurate data management and efficient day-to-day operations
6. Manage the recruitment process, from attracting talent to ensuring the selection of top candidates
7. Analyse HR metrics to identify trends and develop action plans for improvement
8. Support leaders with performance management, coaching, and employee development
9. Drive initiatives to improve employee experience, satisfaction, wellness, and retention
10. Provide payroll input and assist with compensation and benefits administration
11. Maintain a visible presence to staff, offering advice and support on HR-related matters
12. Provide guidance on employee relations issues, ensuring fairness and legal compliance
13. Implement and maintain consistent HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance
14. Identify, manage and conduct regular assessments of HR-related risks, ensuring proactive mitigation
15. Stay informed on employment law changes, offering proactive guidance to ensure compliance
16. Regularly meet with leaders to offer HR advice, address concerns, and provide support

Qualifications

Experience

1. Five (5) or more years in the same or similar strategic Human Resources role, preferably in an educational, service or non-profit industry
2. Proven ability and strong knowledge of labour laws, employment relations practices, trends and Human Resources best practices

Behavioural Success Factors

1. Strategic thinking: Align HR initiatives with St John’s strategy and objectives, and lead confidently through change and shifting priorities
2. Results-driven: Achieve outcomes that support St John’s strategic objectives
3. Collaboration: Build trust-based relationships with staff to drive success
4. Communication: Clearly convey HR policies and information at all levels
5. Problem solving: Use data-driven insights to address challenges and improve outcomes
6. Employee focus: Enhance employee satisfaction and retention through a supportive environment
7. Coaching: Empower School leaders and foster continuous growth
8. Integrity and Ethical practice: Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application.

St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.