Human Resources Director, Africa

Inspired Education Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking global education group as a Human Resources Director, where you will oversee HR services across multiple countries. This role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team, drive HR initiatives, and be a strategic partner to the CEO. With a focus on organizational development, recruitment, and fostering a positive work environment, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of education for thousands of students. If you're passionate about creating world-class people practices and navigating change in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a hands-on HR leader in a similar role.
• Knowledge of HR best practices and labour laws.
• Experience in a fast-growing international scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR team and drive HR initiatives across multiple locations.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO for organizational development.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with global objectives.

Skills

HR Leadership

Organizational Development

Recruitment

HR Metrics

Labour Law Knowledge

Change Management

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Approach

Strategic Planning

Employee Experience Focus

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field

Master's Degree in Business Administration or HR

Tools

HR Management Systems

Job description

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of over premium private schools spanning six continents and 27 countries, utilising proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 90,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

Founded in 2008 by Nadim M. Nsouli, the Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and development of existing schools within its portfolio.

In 2022, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the top 10 highest-value private companies in the UK and is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, Warburg Pincus, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices.

THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for a Human Resources Director to join us.

The Human Resources Director for Africa will play a critical hands-on role in overseeing the delivery of the HR service across 14 schools in the region and 1,200 employees in South Africa, Kenya, and Mauritius. The role will report to the Chief Human Resources Officer based in London and will be a key business partner and thought leader to the regional CEO.

You will have a team of 7 and a focus on repositioning the Africa HR function, so it acts as a business partner for the Heads of our schools by driving performance and enabling the business to scale efficiently and effectively via organic growth, M&A, and greenfield site expansion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the HR team with a hands-on approach, directly engaging with Heads and staff to drive HR initiatives.
2. Serve as a strategic business partner to the CEO, providing insights and support for organisational development.
3. Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives that align with the overall mission and objectives of our global strategy.
4. Oversee recruitment efforts for all locations, ensuring a fair and efficient hiring process.
5. Manage onboarding and exit processes, enhancing the employee experience.
6. Provide strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and plans to the executive management team.
7. Support current and future business needs through the development, engagement, motivation, and preservation of human capital.
8. Develop and monitor overall HR strategies, systems, tactics, and procedures across the organization.
9. Nurture a positive working environment by maintaining a strong culture and fostering open communication.
10. Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance.
11. Ensure legal compliance throughout human resource management.
12. Manage HR budgets and report on metrics.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• Proven experience in a similar position, as a hands-on HR leader.
• Relevant experience may have been gained in a fast-growing international scale-up or supporting organizations develop world-class people practices.
• Experience working in private equity would be highly beneficial.
• High competence in managing and leading through ambiguity and complexity, with comfort in rapid decision-making.
• A track record of leading and navigating organizational and cultural change.
• Proactive attitude and enthusiasm for delivering results in a lean environment.
• Experience with HR metrics and an analytical approach.
• In-depth knowledge of labour law and HR best practices.
• Knowledge of HR systems.
• Data-driven, business-focused, and employee experience-led approach.
• People-oriented and results-driven mindset.
• Leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and manage interpersonal relationships at all levels.

At Inspired Education Group, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every individual within our community, especially children and young people. Through rigorous recruitment practices and comprehensive background checks, we prioritize creating a secure and supportive environment for all our stakeholders. Join us in our mission to foster a culture of safety, respect, and well-being for everyone.