Head of Human Capital

Guardian Recruiting (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Recruiting (Pty) Ltd is seeking a seasoned Head of Human Capital to lead and strengthen its HC function in Johannesburg. This hands-on senior leadership role requires elevating strategic contribution while maintaining close day-to-day business focus.

You will partner with Executive Leadership to ensure the organisation has the right structure, capability, culture and people practices to support sustained growth and performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management or related field.
• Honours or Master's degree advantageous.
• Professional registration with SABPP advantageous.
• 10+ years' progressive HR management experience.
• At least 5 years' experience in a senior HR leadership role, operating at/executive level.
• Experience in organisational design, workforce planning and improving organisational effectiveness.
• Experience in a fast-paced, operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the overall Human Capital strategy, aligned to business objectives.
• Partner with Executive Leadership and line managers, providing strategic people insights and advice.
• Shape organisational structures, roles and workforce plans to improve accountability and effectiveness.
• Lead organisational development and transformation initiatives.
• Ensure Human Capital is positioned as a trusted strategic business partner.
• Oversee payroll management and statutory/regulatory reporting (B‑BBEE, Employment Equity and Skills Development).
• Lead and develop a high-performing, values-aligned Human Capital team.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Employee engagement

Organisational design

People analytics

Executive partnership

Education

Bachelor's degree in HRM

Honours or Master's

SABPP registration

Job description

Head of Human Capital - Johannesburg

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Human Capital to lead and strengthen its established Human Capital function within a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.

This is a hands‑on senior leadership role requiring an individual who can elevate the strategic contribution of Human Capital while remaining closely connected to the day‑to‑day business. The successful candidate will partner with Executive Leadership and line management to ensure the organisation has the right structure, capability, culture and people practices to support continued performance and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the overall Human Capital strategy, aligned to business objectives.
• Partner with Executive Leadership and line managers, providing strategic people insights and advice.
• Shape organisational structures, roles and workforce plans to improve accountability and effectiveness.
• Lead organisational development and transformation initiatives.
• Ensure Human Capital is positioned as a trusted strategic business partner.

Talent & Performance Management

• Strengthen the full talent lifecycle, from attraction and onboarding through to development, performance and retention.
• Develop and implement Talent Acquisition and Employee Value Proposition (EVP) strategies.
• Drive workforce and succession planning to ensure critical skills and future capability.
• Identify capability gaps and lead relevant Learning & Development initiatives.
• Develop and embed effective performance management frameworks that promote accountability and high performance.
• Strengthen leadership and management capability.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing, values‑aligned Human Capital team.

Culture & Employee Engagement

• Shape and embed a values‑driven, high‑performance culture.
• Promote accountability, ownership, engagement, inclusion and sustainable performance.
• Drive employee engagement and retention initiatives.
• Promote diversity, equity and inclusion and support employee well‑being.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure Human Capital policies and practices comply with South African labour legislation.
• Oversee payroll management to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure statutory and regulatory reporting requirements are met, including B‑BBEE, Employment Equity and Skills Development.
• Establish effective Human Capital reporting and analytics, providing insight into headcount, turnover, engagement, performance and organisational health.
• Leverage HR systems and analytics to support informed business decision‑making.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management or a related field.
• Honours or Master's degree would be advantageous.
• Professional registration with SABPP or relevant professional body advantageous.
• 10+ years' progressive HR Management experience.
• At least 5 years' experience in a senior HR leadership role, operating at or close to Executive level.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing people strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Experience in organisational design, workforce planning and improving organisational effectiveness.
• Strong experience in performance management, accountability and leadership development.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with Executive Leadership and line managers.
• Experience within a fast‑paced, operational environment.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing or a similar environment would be advantageous.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be reflected in a credible, commercially aligned and embedded Human Capital function that actively contributes to business performance, organisational effectiveness, culture and sustainable growth.

Please note: By submitting your application, you agree that Guardian Recruiting may use your application for the recruitment and selection process for this position and that your information may be shared with relevant stakeholders within the business.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All job postings are in accordance with our client's BEE requirements.

Please only submit certificates when specifically requested.