Director

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) invites applications for a Director: Remuneration and HR Administration to provide strategic leadership across remuneration, HR administration, governance and data integrity. You will drive strategies, oversee payroll oversight, job evaluation, and policy development while ensuring compliant and efficient service delivery.

The role requires extensive experience in remuneration design, benefits management and HR systems, with a track record of leading

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in HR-related field (NQF Level 9).
• Eight or more years in HR leadership covering remuneration strategy, benefits design and HR operations/administration in a complex organisation.
• Three or more years in managing remuneration and HR administration, including job evaluation, payroll oversight, Shared Services and policy development.
• Five or more years in operational HR practice including remuneration benchmarking, benefits administration and HR systems management.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Alignment: develop and oversee Remuneration and HR Administration strategies aligned to the University and People Strategy.
• Remuneration Management: direct development and implementation of remuneration frameworks, salary structures and grading practices; manage annual salary increases, bonuses and promotions.
• Reward, Recognition and Benefits Management: develop strategies and processes for rewards, benefits, and retirement/medical schemes; benchmark to stay competitive.
• HR Shared Services and Administration: lead HR shared services, payroll, employee records and reporting; ensure data integrity and compliant service delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement: maintain strategic relationships; represent the University in remuneration and HR governance forums; advise on operations and service improvements.
• Management and Leadership Results Areas: lead a high-performing team; manage budgets, resources, and governance; drive accountability and continuous improvement.

Education

Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in HRM/Remuneration/Reward Management/Industrial Psychology/Business Administration/Finance

Job description

North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus)

Division: NWU DVC: Student Life, Transformation, People & Culture

Position Number: N001015

Vacancy: Director: Remuneration and HR Administration

Peromnes Grade:05

Employment Type: Permanent Appointment

Purpose of the Position

To provide strategic leadership and governance for Remuneration and HR Administration across the University by developing and implementing integrated reward and HR administration processes and strategies that support organisational performance, compliance, operational efficiency, and employee value proposition.

The role ensures effective delivery of HR transactional and reward services, drives data integrity and process optimisation, and serves as the University’s principal advisor on remuneration, HR administration, and related governance matters

Minimum Requirements:

• A master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Human Resource Management, Remuneration or Reward Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in HR leadership encompassing remuneration strategy, benefits design, and HR operations/administration in a complex organisation.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Management of remuneration and HR administration function, including job evaluation, payroll oversight, Shared Services administration, and policy development.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Operational HR practice including remuneration benchmarking, benefits administration, and HR systems management.

Added Advantages:

• Experience working in a higher education institution or a similarly complex public-sector environment.
• Accreditation as a Global Remuneration Professional (GRP).
• Membership of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) or the South African Reward Association (SARA).

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Alignment

• Develop and oversee the implementation of Remuneration and HR Administration strategies aligned to the University and People Strategy.
• Research, benchmark, consult and agree on best practice policies and processes within Remuneration and HR Administration.
• Provide strategic advice to executive leadership on reward strategy and models and workforce cost optimisation.
• Ensure governance frameworks, policies and practices that promote compliance, efficiency, and service excellence.
• Monitor and report on remuneration trends, system effectiveness, service performance and organisational risks.

Remuneration Management

• Direct the development and implementation of remuneration frameworks, salary structures and grading practices.
• Manage annual salary increase, bonus allocation and promotion cycle processes.
• Conduct impact analysis of remuneration decisions on organisational sustainability and cost management.
• Ensure remuneration practices are equitable, compliant and aligned to organisational objectives.
• Oversee auditing and governance of remuneration data for accuracy and consistency.

Reward, Recognition and Benefits Management

• Develop and implement strategies, policies and processes for reward, recognition and employee benefits management. Oversee benefit programmes including retirement funds, medical aid, risk benefits and related offerings.
• Ensure regular benchmarking to maintain competitive and responsive reward and benefits practices.
• Manage relationships with service providers, brokers and relevant governance structures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and governance requirements related to benefits.
• Monitor utilisation, cost drivers and effectiveness of reward and benefits programmes and recommend improvements.

HR Shared Services and Administration

• Lead the HR shared services and HR Administration function ensuring effective delivery of HR administration from appointment to termination.
• Oversee payroll, employee records, benefits administration and reporting processes.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy of payroll and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Implement efficient and customer-centred service delivery models.
• Ensure quality, auditability and security of HR data.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the University at relevant forums to influence remuneration, HR administration and legislative practices.
• Provide advisory services on remuneration, HR operations and service delivery improvements.

Management and Leadership Results Areas

• Lead and develop a high-performing Remuneration and HR Administration team.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, performance management and staff development within the portfolio.
• Manage budgets, resources, systems and service delivery standards.
• Ensure effective risk management, governance and reporting within the function.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key Functional/ Technical Competencies:

• Remuneration, Reward and Benefits Management.
• Payroll and HR Administration Management.
• HR Shared Services and Service Delivery Models.
• HRIS and Data Governance.
• Financial and Cost Management.
• Employment Legislation and Compliance.
• Policy Development and Governance.
• HR Analytics and Reporting.
• Strategic Planning and Alignment.

Key Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic and Systems Thinking.
• Leadership and Accountability.
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving.
• Service Excellence and Customer Focus.
• Influencing and Advisory Capability.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building.
• Innovation and Digital Agility.
• Professional Integrity and Ethical Conduct.

Remuneration:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries regarding JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Esrom Phungo on 018 299 4818

Enquiries regarding RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mrs. Goitsemang Ntsoelengoe on 018 299 2752

Closing Date: 07 October 2026

Planned Commencement of Duties: As soon as possible

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.