Head of Human Resources

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Study leave

Campus facilities

Supportive environment

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Human Resources in Bloemfontein to lead the HR department and drive strategic HR initiatives across the institution. You will shape policies, oversee recruitment, compensation, and compliance, and champion employee well-being and engagement.

The role requires a Master’s in HR-related field and 8+ years in HR, including leadership experience, with strong knowledge of HRIS and labour law.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in HRM, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive HR management experience, including 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in education or non-profit sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the institution's goals.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, performance management, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Lead talent acquisition for faculty and staff.
• Manage compensation and benefits programs for equity and competitiveness.
• Handle employee relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions.
• Promote positive culture and employee engagement.
• Ensure labour law compliance and develop training programs.
• Manage HR budget and HRIS systems.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Employee relations

Change management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Education

Master's degree in HR Management / Industrial Psychology / Business Administration

Tools

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive educational institution, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Human Resources to lead their HR department in Bloemfontein, Free State . This senior management role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies that support the institution's mission, values, and operational goals. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of HR best practices, talent management, employee relations, and organisational development. You will play a crucial role in fostering a positive and productive work environment for all staff members. If you are a passionate HR leader with a commitment to employee well-being and organisational success, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact. We are looking for a dedicated professional to champion HR initiatives within our client's academic community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the institution's overall goals.
• Oversee all HR functions, including recruitment and onboarding, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, and HR compliance.
• Develop and maintain effective HR policies and procedures.
• Lead talent acquisition efforts to attract and retain high-quality faculty and staff.
• Administer compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness and equity.
• Manage employee relations issues, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions.
• Promote a positive organisational culture and foster employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and employment regulations.
• Develop and implement training and development programs for staff.
• Manage the HR budget and oversee HRIS systems.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in HR management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing HR strategies in an educational or non-profit setting is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of all areas of HR, including talent management, compensation, employee relations, and labour law.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage change and foster a positive work environment.
• Proficiency in HR information systems (HRIS).
• Strong understanding of ethical HR practices and confidentiality.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, Free State .
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

• competitive salary package
• comprehensive medical aid
• a generous pension fund contribution
• significant opportunities for professional development, including funding for certifications and conferences
• a chance to influence HR policy and practice within a respected educational institution
• study leave for further qualifications
• access to campus facilities
• a supportive work environment
• a good work-life balance
• the satisfaction of contributing to the educational sector