Introduction
We are recruiting on behalf of a confidential client for a highly experienced, professional, and strategic Senior HR Manager to join a large, well-established organisation based in Cape Town.
This is a senior leadership opportunity ideally suited to an accomplished Human Resources professional with extensive experience in Industrial Relations, Labour Law, Employee Relations, Payroll, HR Compliance, Trade Union Engagement, CCMA representation, HR Governance, Employment Equity, and People Leadership within a large, highly unionised operational environment.
The successful candidate must possess exceptional leadership ability, sound commercial judgement, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to effectively lead the Human Resources function within a fast-paced, labour-intensive organisation operating on a 24-hour basis.
About the Company
The employing organisation is a long-established, highly respected business operating within a large operational environment with a strong commitment to service excellence, governance, employee development, and operational performance.
The organisation places significant emphasis on compliance, sound Industrial Relations practices, strong leadership, and maintaining constructive relationships with organised labour while supporting a large and diverse workforce.
This position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to become part of an executive leadership team and contribute meaningfully to the continued success and growth of a well-established organisation.
Minimum Requirements, Duties & Responsibilities
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum 10 years' Senior Human Resources Management experience
- Extensive experience within a large, labour-intensive and highly unionised organisation
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations or related field
- Extensive Industrial Relations experience
- Proven experience chairing disciplinary hearings and managing disciplinary processes
- Extensive CCMA and Bargaining Council experience
- Strong Trade Union negotiation and collective bargaining experience
- Thorough knowledge of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), BCEA, Employment Equity Act (EEA), COIDA and South African Labour Legislation
- Experience managing HR within transport, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, mining, FMCG, retail distribution, municipal services or similar operational environments
- Strong Payroll Management experience
- Working knowledge of SAP HR, SAP Payroll and HR Information Systems
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience managing Employment Equity and B-BBEE compliance
- Experience administering Medical Aid, Pension and Retirement Funds
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong leadership, organisational and decision-making ability
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a demanding operational environment
- Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport
- Contactable references required
Duties & Responsibilities
Industrial Relations & Employee Relations
- Manage the full Industrial Relations function
- Chair disciplinary hearings and misconduct investigations
- Manage disciplinary, suspension, dismissal and poor performance processes
- Advise management on employee relations matters
- Ensure procedural fairness and legal compliance throughout all disciplinary processes
Trade Union & Labour Relations
- Build and maintain professional relationships with recognised Trade Unions
- Attend Union meetings and collective bargaining sessions
- Negotiate labour matters and resolve disputes
- Maintain constructive labour relations while protecting organisational interests
CCMA & Labour Compliance
- Represent the organisation at CCMA conciliations and arbitrations
- Represent the employer at Bargaining Council proceedings
- Prepare documentation and evidence for labour disputes
- Advise management on labour law and dispute resolution strategies
Operational HR Leadership
- Lead and manage the Human Resources department
- Support operational management across multiple business divisions
- Drive workforce planning and operational continuity
- Manage recruitment replacement planning and employee turnover
- Coach, mentor and support management teams
Payroll, HR Systems & Compliance
- Oversee payroll governance, reporting and compliance
- Ensure payroll accuracy and legislative compliance
- Manage SAP HR, Payroll and HR reporting systems
- Maintain HR governance, policies and procedures
- Ensure statutory HR compliance across the organisation
Employment Equity & HR Governance
- Manage Employment Equity planning and reporting
- Drive workplace transformation initiatives
- Support B-BBEE compliance and reporting
- Develop, review and implement HR policies and procedures
- Ensure compliance with all applicable employment legislation
Employee Benefits & Occupational Injury Management
- Oversee Medical Aid, Pension and Retirement Fund administration
- Manage COIDA, Injuries on Duty (IODs) and Compensation Fund claims
- Liaise with external stakeholders where required
Key Performance Outcomes
- Effective management of all Industrial Relations matters
- Legally compliant disciplinary and employee relations processes
- Constructive and professional Trade Union relationships
- Successful representation at CCMA and Bargaining Council proceedings
- Full compliance with South African labour legislation
- Accurate and compliant payroll administration
- Timely Employment Equity and statutory submissions
- Effective implementation of HR policies and governance standards
- High levels of operational HR support across the organisation
- Strong employee engagement and leadership across HR teams
Personal Attributes
- Professional, mature and highly ethical
- Strong leadership presence
- Confident, assertive and decisive
- Calm under pressure
- Emotionally resilient
- Fair, objective and consistent
- Highly organised and detail orientated
- Excellent problem-solving ability
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Results-driven with high levels of accountability
- Able to make difficult decisions with confidence
- Hands-on, proactive and solution focused
Application Requirements
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documentation:
(containing personal cell number and email address)
- Recent professional profile photo
- Copy of South African ID
- Copy of relevant qualifications
- Copy of professional registration, if available
- Current or most recent payslip, if available
- Notice period information
- Salary expectation
- 3 Contactable references
(Referee full names, job titles, company names & personal cell numbers)
Package & Remuneration
- Position Type: Permanent position
- Salary: Highly competitive based on qualifications and years of experience
- Location: Cape Town
- Executive-level leadership opportunity
- Exposure to a large, highly unionised operational environment
- Long-term career growth and development opportunities
- High-level executive and strategic exposure
- Dynamic, professional and fast-paced working environment
- Opportunity to lead a critical Human Resources function within a respected organisation
