2x People Operations Business Partner

Biovac; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vaccine manufacturer in Africa is looking for a dynamic People Operations Business Partner to join a goal-oriented team. The successful candidate will have over 5 years of experience in a Generalist Human Capital Function and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource and Industrial Psychology. Responsibilities include aligning team focus with strategic objectives, engaging in performance management, and contributing to Human Capital strategies. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work effectively in cross-functional teams while ensuring business compliance and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a Generalist Human Capital Function.
• 3+ years at a senior professional level.
• Adept at interpreting data and providing actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Align team deliverables with business strategic objectives.
• Engage in role profiling and performance management.
• Provide reports on operational metrics and KPIs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Employee relations management

Project management

HR legislation knowledge

Recruitment expertise

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource and Industrial Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

HRIS systems

Job description

BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa with our core purpose being to protect life. We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous 2x People Operations Business Partner to join a goal-oriented team.

Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource and Industrial Psychology or equivalent.
• Recognition is given to Prior Learning and practical experience.

Experience Needed to Deliver the Role Seamlessly

• At least 5 years of experience in a Generalist Human Capital Function.
• At least 3 years of experience at senior professional level.
• Deep understanding and working knowledge of Human Capital related legislation in South Africa.
• Workplace Forum and CCMA arbitration experience.
• Business and operational planning and implementation in a commercially viable business.
• Working knowledge of key Project Management principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in policy development, coaching leaders and employees, recruitment, employee relations & IR, job evaluation, salary benchmarking, payroll processing, employee benefits management, skills development, performance management, people data analytics & reporting.
• Exceptional analytical skills capable of interpreting data and providing actionable insights through management & employee presentations and reports.
• Proficient in scoping and rolling out HRIS systems and in using data management tools.
• In-depth knowledge of HR laws, regulations and industry best practices.
• Self-motivated and adept at working independently while fostering effective collaboration within cross‑functional teams.
• Proven track record in business and operational planning and successful project and KPI execution in line with business needs and parallel activities.
• Participation in the development of departmental budgets and monitoring expenditures across multiple projects and funding sources.
• Proficiency in presenting data utilizing the full Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Working knowledge of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in an aseptic cGMP accredited environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the Role

People Management

• Align the team's focus areas and deliverables with the business's strategic objectives.
• Plan and execute cross‑functional team activities within the defined scope of responsibility.
• Ensure adequate capacity planning and performance delivery in alignment with strategic, tactical and operational plans.
• Engage in role profiling, goal setting and performance management for both managers and staff.
• Develop and implement a robust knowledge management infrastructure within the department to effectively maintain intellectual property.
• Take accountability for personal and team continuous learning and development to bolster technical and leadership capabilities within the HC Quality team.
• Establish and maintain documented delegation processes for ongoing operational activities, especially in the event of key staff absences, following related policies and SOPs.

Business Management

• Collaboratively responsible for achieving the tactical goals of the site while actively addressing and mitigating risks across various aspects of site operations (workflow, ethics, quality, financials, regulatory compliance and other critical company prerequisites).
• Provide comprehensive reports on essential operational metrics and KPIs that significantly influence the business's short-term, medium-term and long-term objectives.
• Demonstrate effective and thorough expertise in costing, budgeting and expense management considering the interplay of various site activities.
• Take responsibility for developing and maintaining a three‑year rolling plan aimed at implementing the company's strategy as defined by Biovacs board and executive team.

Business Partnering

• Contribute to the development and execution of Human Capital strategies aligned with business needs.
• Offer insights and input into the formulation of Human Capital related business policies.
• Collaborate with Heads of Department and line management to provide ongoing operational guidance and solutions aligned with the people services & experience philosophy within the company.
• Analyze Human Capital data and metrics to identify risks related to productivity and retention and work with management to develop effective action plans for mitigation.
• Coordinate with the Shared Services team to optimize the Human Capital infrastructure when necessary.
• Participate in BBBEE planning and audits to ensure maximum empowerment contributions are achieved.
• Lead or participate in all Human Capital projects relevant to your portfolio.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Facilitate workforce planning with managers, co‑develop the workforce plans and consolidate across all departments for Exco approval.
• Monitor and report on workforce and succession planning and implement the required recruitment and onboarding of skilled talent pools timeously within budget and in line with vacancy/job specifications and company culture fit.
• Ensure all job offers are finalized and that all new starters are onboarded seamlessly to enable effective employee satisfaction and long‑term retention.
• Support the company's talent development philosophy through boosting internal mobility and career pathways for talented employees.

Performance & Talent Development

• Take the lead in establishing and advising on performance management principles and schedules.
• Guarantee the timely completion of performance assessments, compile outcomes and conduct quality checks before submitting them to the executive committee.
• Effectively oversee employee recognition initiatives within various departments to ensure they generate a meaningful impact.
• Collaborate with the Human Capital Effectiveness team to align training plans with departmental and company requirements, thereby enhancing overall employee productivity.
• Ensure employees not meeting established standards promptly enter a performance improvement process.

Employee Relations

• Expertly handle intricate employee relations challenges and address complaints.
• Provide guidance to management on effectively resolving employee relations issues and facilitate all industrial relations matters related to incapacity, misconduct or staff grievances both internally and externally at CCMA & Labour Court.
• Monitor and enhance employee productivity, collaborating with line managers to implement individual or team development and wellness initiatives that promote productivity.
• Actively promote teamwork optimization through targeted team development interventions.
• Contribute insights to the development and reporting of metrics on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Engage leaders and staff to foster understanding and support for HC models, philosophies, plans and metrics.
• Analyse emerging trends and provide recommendations to management implementing agreed‑upon solutions.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance employee skills and competencies.
• Identify training needs through analysis and consultation with department heads.
• Monitor training effectiveness and adjust as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Training and Development

• Develop and implement training programs to enhance employee skills and competencies.
• Identify training needs through analysis and consultation with department heads.
• Monitor training effectiveness and adjust as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Data Management

• Establish and maintain HC data governance policies and procedures.
• Compile, analyze and present HC data insights to support strategic decision‑making.
• Prepare and submit HC-related monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required by legislation and operational needs.
• Conduct regular audits to maintain data accuracy and compliance.

Lead the Following Functional Areas

• Recruitment & Workforce Planning
• Employee Relations
• Performance Management

Application Deadline: 10 November 2025

If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks after closing date please understand that your application was not successful.

Key Skills

• Marketing & Sales
• Business Administration
• Bid
• Instrumentation & Control
• HACCP

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1