Head of Group Payroll, Benefits & Compensation: HR Shared Services

The Shoprite Group of Companies; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group in South Africa is looking for a Head of Group Payroll, Benefits & Compensation. This key leadership role focuses on optimizing payroll services and employee benefits. Candidates must have a degree in a related field and over 8 years of experience in payroll. The position offers the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives in a dynamic retail environment, ensuring compliance and enhancing employee satisfaction.

Benefits

Diverse workplace commitment

Employment Equity initiatives

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Group Payroll, Benefits and Compensation roles.
• Experience in FMCG or retail sector with a focus on compliance.
• Ability to apply HR laws and regulations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic payroll operations aligning with policies.
• Manage employee benefits and compensation frameworks.
• Implement process improvements and automation in payroll.

Skills

HR practices understanding

Payroll process improvement

Strategic leadership

Education

Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Sciences

Post Graduate Degree in related field

Job description

Head of Group Payroll, Benefits & Compensation is a key leadership role focused on aligning and executing payroll, benefits, and compensation services for the Shoprite Group. This role oversees the efficient management of payroll administration and alignment of employee benefits and compensation with relevant governance and policies. By leveraging automation and advanced systems, the Head Group Payroll, Benefits & Compensation will enhance service delivery and streamline processes. This role will devise innovative solutions to optimise payroll and benefits processes, enhancing the employee experience and improving the effectiveness of the People Services function.

This role oversees three integrated portfolios for the Group: Payroll, Benefits & Compensation

Overview

Execution.

Group Payroll Portfolio

The primary responsibility is to spearhead the strategic oversight of the organisation’s end-to-end payroll services. This involves ensuring that payroll operations align with the organisation’s policies and comply with relevant legislation, ultimately enhancing functional integration across the organisation. Additionally, this role is key in implementing process improvements and automation to streamline payroll operations and increase efficiency within this portfolio.

Group Benefits Portfolio

The Group Benefits Portfolio requires strategic leadership to oversee the management of employee benefits at Shoprite, including pension funds and medical aid schemes. The focus is on ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with the organisation’s goals. Success in this role depends on the strategic development and maintenance of innovative benefits programs that enhance employee satisfaction and engagement. The incumbent will continuously evaluate and refine the benefits programs to adapt to the evolving needs of employees, fostering a culture of well-being and support.

Group Compensation Execution Portfolio

This role provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Compensation Execution function across the Shoprite Group. It is pivotal in aligning compensation strategies with the organisation's overall Reward Solutions frameworks and practices, ensuring the effective implementation of reward initiatives. By fostering strong partnerships and delivering strategic insights, this role will contribute significantly to establishing a fair and motivating compensation landscape that aligns with the Shoprite Group’s purpose.

Role Description (Across Portfolios)

Integrated process efficiency and optimisation

• Collaborate with the Head of Reward & OE to implement the Payroll, Benefits & Compensation Framework, driving process improvement and automating repetitive payroll tasks.
• Integrate cohesive Payroll, Benefits & Compensation processes to streamline operations and enhance data entry accuracy.
• Oversee the management of the end-to-end payroll administration across all divisions while continuously determining opportunities for process optimisation through quarterly reviews.
• Achieve payroll compliance with relevant statutory requirements by implementing automation systems that enhance accuracy and reduce errors.
• Oversee the management end-to-end employee benefits administration, including pension and medical aid, while implementing user-friendly digital platforms to maximize employee satisfaction.
• Oversee the management end-to-end execution of employee compensation packages, annual increase processes, as well as STI and LTI Schemes, while applying data analytics to enhance compensation strategies and market competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to interpret the effectiveness and efficiency of payroll, benefits, and compensation processes, allowing for proactive adjustments.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to identify bottlenecks and pain points in existing processes, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Leverage advanced technologies and data analytics tools to refine payroll processing timelines and maximise turnaround times on payroll-related inquiries.
• Implement regular training sessions for payroll staff to ensure they can apply best practices and new technologies that enhance efficiency.
• Determine areas for improvement through employee feedback sessions, utilising insights to make informed enhancements to processes.
• Devise opportunities for self-service tools that empower employees to manage their own benefits and compensation inquiries, reducing administrative workload and improving overall user experience.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Sciences or equivalent - (essential).
• Post Graduate Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Sciences or equivalent - (preferred).
• +8 years in a Group Payroll, Benefits and Compensation Execution or equivalent role, leading execution of Group Payroll, Benefits and Compensation Execution frameworks, policies, procedures, and guidelines that emphasize process improvement and automation - (essential).
• Demonstrable knowledge of HR practices within the FMCG, retail sector, understanding of Payroll, Benefits and Compensation Execution in the retail environment, with a commitment to improving systems and processes - (essential).
• Exposure to statutory requirements, applying and monitoring relevant laws, regulations, and best practices as they relate to Group Payroll, Benefits and Compensation Execution; knowledge of HR policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations, focusing on compliance through effective systems - (essential).

Our Group and all its operating companies is committed to creating, embracing, and preserving a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organisation. A place where everyone matters and feels included.

We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally.

Please take note that by responding to this application and providing your personal information, you confirm your express and informed consent for Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd and all its subsidiaries and affiliates companies to process your personal information for the Company to consider your application for this position. All Personal Information which you provide to the Company will be used and/or retained only for the purposes for which it is collected, whereafter it will be permanently destroyed. Your information is only retained if it is required by law or where you have given consent to us to retain such information for an extended period.

If you don’t hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information collected as part of your application will be destroyed, securely, in accordance with South African legislation.