EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR :HUMAN RESOURCES

University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IsiZulu language ability (advantage)

SABPP/IPM registration advantageous

Job summary

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications for the position of Executive Director: Human Resources. This five-year fixed-term appointment is based at the Westville campus and reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The Executive Director HR leads the HR division, linking strategy to organisational outcomes and wellbeing. He/she will drive strategic HR direction, manage budgets and a wide range of HR services, including Employee Relations, Organisational Development and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience, including at least 5 years in senior/executive HR roles.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles in higher education.
• Experience in consulting and negotiating with trade unions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to implement the university’s HR strategy.
• Oversee HR Division including budget and all HR functions.
• Align HR policy and strategy to achieve Employer of Choice.
• Foster inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, wellbeing and engagement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

HR policy and strategy

Employee relations

Change management

Negotiation with unions

HR data analysis

People management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to Employment Equity

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT VACANCY

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)is situated in the subtropical seaside city of Durban and in the Midlands city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The University is one of the largest residential universities in sub-Saharan Africa and is located on five campuses - Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg, Howard College, Westville and Umbilo Road.

UKZN is one of the leading research-intensive and teaching universities in South Africaand on the continent. As one of South Africa’spre-eminent research institutions, the University provides a dynamic environment for all facets of research and innovation.

The University is structured on a College model with four Colleges, namely Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Law and Management Studies, noting that the all Colleges have a presence on at least three of the University’s five campuses. UKZN offers a large number of academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with some 45 000 students and approximately 4000 staff members.

For more information regarding the University profile, please visit our website and interact with us on: http://www.ukzn.ac.za

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR :HUMAN RESOURCES

FIVE (5) YEAR FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT

BASED ON THE WESTVILLE CAMPUS

RE-ADVERTISEMENT

The Executive Director Human Resources is responsible for the provision of strategic leadership in the implementation of the University’s human resource strategy, and in linking human resource management with organisational strategy. The Executive Director Human Resources manages the University’s Human Resources Division, including the Division’s budget; and will oversee a full range of human resources functions, such as Employee Relations, Human Resources and Organisational Development and Reward Services. The University of KwaZulu-Natal strives to establish the University as an Employer of Choice in the South African HigherEducation Sector and the Executive Director Human Resources will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and alignment of human resources policy and strategy to achieve this objective, by the creation and maintaining of an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement and wellbeing. The Executive DirectorHuman Resources reportsto the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

REQUIREMENTS:

• An appropriate Master’sDegree.
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management or executive management level in Human Resources.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to human resources within the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Knowledge of all employment related and other legislation impacting on the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic work environment.
• Experience of project management where innovative HR solutions have been delivered both personally and through delegating, mentoring and supporting others.
• Demonstrated experience of successfully consulting and negotiating with trade unions.
• Experience in changemanagement and advocacy.
• Understanding of HR database systems and other technological systems which enhance the management and provision of HR services.
• The ability to effectively analyse workforce data, statistics for benchmarking, auditing, modelling and forecasting to support workforce and human resource planning

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES:

The incumbent must be a person with exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and impeccable ethics; who is an institutional leader who leads by example and is able to foster strong interpersonal working relationships within Organised Labour; who gives leadership to management and staff within the Academic and Support College environments; and capably engage all external University Stakeholders.

In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:

• An ability to provide strategichuman resource direction to the Colleges.
• Sound judgement, above average analytical ability and a conceptual thinker.
• A champion to deliver above average results, by being committing to action, displaying resilience in the face of challenges and diligently executing assignments.
• Exceptional self- and people-management skills.
• Capable and committed to self-awareness and self-correction, developing people talent, team management and fostering productive working relationships.
• Respect for confidentiality and is trustworthy.
• Hold relevantbusiness and administrative management acumen.
• Capability to undertake/manage strategicprojects and assignments.
• Provide competent, respectful and ethicalleadership.
• Puts into practice and embody the University Values - R.E.A.C.HT. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty and Trust).

ADVANTAGES:

• The abilityto communicate in IsiZulu.
• Aregistered member of the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP) and/or the Institute of Personnel Management South Africa (IPM)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 November 2026