Deputy Director:HR Governance and Technology

Nelson Mandela University; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Mandela University seeks a strategic leader to head HR digital transformation, HR technology, people analytics, and governance. You will drive data-driven decision-making, build workforce reporting, and ensure policy alignment and risk management across the University.

The role requires a strong track record in leading HR tech initiatives and shaping analytics maturity within a complex higher education environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher equivalent required with specialization in HR, information systems or analytics.
• Minimum 6–8 years of relevant experience; at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Experience in higher education settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Translate HR strategy into technology-enabled solutions and programs.
• Lead digital transformation and governance for HR systems and data.
• Develop workforce analytics, dashboards and predictive insights for decision-making.
• Build high-performing teams and manage change across the organisation.

Skills

HR Digital Transformation

People Analytics

Governance & Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Education

M+4 qualification in HR/Information Systems/Analytics

Job description

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To provide strategic leadership for Human Resources digital transformation, HR technology, people analytics, workforce intelligence, governance, risk management and policy coordination. The incumbent is responsible for driving the digitisation, integration and continuous improvement of HR systems, processes and services to enable a data-driven, efficient and future-focused HR function. The role provides leadership in the development of people analytics, workforce reporting, HR metrics and predictive insights that support institutional decision-making, while ensuring sound governance, policy alignment, compliance, risk management and ethical people management practices across the University.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Translate HR strategy into technology-enabled solutions.
• Harness workforce data to generate actionable insights.
• Build and embed a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
• Lead organisational change and digital transformation initiatives.
• Strengthen governance, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Influence diverse stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships.
• Develop high-performing teams and optimise resources effectively.
• Balance strategic thinking with operational execution.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• HR Digital Transformation and Technology
• People Analytics and Workforce Intelligence
• HR Metrics, Reporting and Dashboards
• Governance, Risk and Compliance
• HR Policy Development and Coordination
• Project and Change Management
• Strategic Leadership and Stakeholder Management
• Financial and Resource Management
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant M+4 qualification in Human Resources, Human Capital Technology, Information Systems, Analytics, or related fields
• A minimum of 6 to 8 years' relevant experience of which at least three (3) years must have been at managerial level.
• Experience and knowledge of the Higher Education environment will be an added advantage.

SCREENING QUESTIONS

• Do you have relevant M+4 qualification in Human Resources, Human Capital Technology, Information Systems, Analytics, or related fields?
• Do you have a minimum of 6 to 8 years' relevant experience?
• Do you have at least three (3) years’ experience in a managerial level?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. contact person and telephone number, e-mail; etc.

• Cover letter
• Equity targeted groups to be specified on the advert