Employee Relations jobs in South Africa

Job Specification: Head of HR

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Company: Healthcare recruitment agency

Position Overview:
Our Client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of HR to lead and oversee the HR function at a global level. This role will be pivotal in managing day-to-day HR operations while also driving key strategic projects, performance improvement initiatives, and succession planning. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with experience in global HR operations, business partnering, and leading HR teams. As the right-hand person to the business, you will play a key role in ensuring that HR practices align with the company’s objectives, contribute to performance improvement, and support talent development across our global operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. HR Operations Leadership
   • Lead and manage the day-to-day HR operations, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of HR processes across multiple locations.
   • Oversee the HR team, providing guidance, leadership, and support to ensure consistent and high-quality HR service delivery.
   • Handle operational HR issues such as employee relations, policy enforcement, employee engagement, and legal compliance.
   • Ensure accurate management of HR data and records across global offices.
   • Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and department heads on all operational HR matters.
2. Strategic HR Leadership
   • Collaborate closely with the Global Head of HR and senior leadership to drive strategic HR initiatives that align with the company’s growth and global expansion.
   • Manage the HR strategy for talent acquisition, performance management, and retention, working in partnership with the Head of Talent Acquisition (TA).
   • Lead the design and execution of performance improvement plans (PIPs) and initiatives that drive organizational performance and culture change.
   • Ensure the successful implementation of HR projects, including organizational development, leadership development, and succession planning.
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive succession planning strategy to identify and develop key talent across the organization.
3. Employee Relations & Performance Management
   • Manage complex employee relations (ER) issues, providing guidance to managers and staff on conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and legal compliance.
   • Lead the design and implementation of performance management systems, ensuring alignment with company goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
   • Explore HR technology systems to streamline HR processes, enhance data reporting, and improve employee experience.
   • Drive the adoption of a performance-driven culture through clear KPIs, ongoing feedback, and development programs.
4. Business Partnering & Global HR Management
   • Act as the HR business partner to the leadership team, ensuring HR strategies and initiatives align with business objectives.
   • Provide HR leadership and guidance to key business units, aligning talent management with organizational needs.
   • Leverage global HR knowledge to manage and scale HR initiatives across multiple regions, ensuring consistency while accommodating local variations.
   • Work closely with senior management to address strategic HR needs, such as change management, organizational design, and employee engagement.
5. Team Management & Development
   • Lead, mentor, and develop the HR team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing HR function.
   • Ensure the HR team is equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and resources to support the business effectively.
   • Conduct regular reviews of team performance, identifying areas for development and ensuring continuous professional growth.
6. Project Management & Implementation
   • Oversee key HR projects and ensure timely execution and delivery of results.
   • Manage and implement global HR initiatives, from talent development programs to strategic business partnerships, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
   • Lead the implementation of HR best practices, policies, and systems that improve efficiency, compliance, and employee satisfaction.

Requirements:

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

1. Experience:
   • Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in HR, with at least 5 years in a senior or leadership role.
   • Proven experience in managing global HR operations across diverse geographies, ideally in healthcare, medical services, or a similarly regulated environment.
   • Strong background in strategic HR management, including employee relations, talent development, succession planning, and performance improvement.
   • Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations issues and leading performance management initiatives.
   • Familiarity with HR technology systems and data management and performance management tools.
2. Knowledge:
   • Strong understanding of global HR best practices, compliance, and employee laws.
   • Expertise in succession planning, leadership development, and talent management strategies.
   • Experience in driving cultural change and organizational transformation through HR initiatives.
   • Familiarity with ISO 9001 and other relevant quality management standards.
3. Skills:
   • Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a proven ability to inspire, develop, and motivate teams.
   • Strong business acumen and the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership on strategic HR decisions.
   • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple levels of the organization.
   • Strong project management skills, with the ability to drive multiple initiatives simultaneously.
   • Ability to balance operational HR management with strategic, high-level decision-making.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• HR certifications (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) would be an asset.
• Experience with healthcare or medical services is a plus.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary: Competitive salary based on experience.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa.

Our clients offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. We foster a supportive and inclusive culture, where employees are encouraged to take ownership and contribute to the company's success.

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.