Head of Human Resources

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Annual leave

Relocation assistance

Company car allowance

Leadership training

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, is seeking a strategic Head of Human Resources to lead all HR functions and align HR initiatives with business goals. The role focuses on shaping policies, driving engagement, and ensuring a productive work environment for growth and retention.

You will guide labour law compliance, talent management, and organizational development, partnering with senior leadership to build a robust HR framework that supports both individual growth and overall business

Qualifications

• Strong strategic HR leadership experience guiding organizations through change.
• Solid knowledge of South African labour law and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to design and implement talent management and succession plans.
• Experience in developing policies and programs that support growth and workforce well-being.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies aligned with business goals.
• Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, development, performance, offboarding.
• Lead HR department and advise senior management on labour law and employee relations.
• Design and manage compensation, benefits, and wellness programs to attract and retain talent.
• Foster an inclusive culture that supports engagement and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with labour regulations relevant to KwaZulu-Natal and SA.
• Develop talent management and succession planning initiatives.
• Manage HR budget and resources efficiently.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Labour law expertise

Employee relations

Talent management

Organizational development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Master’s or SHRM certification

Tools

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing firm with a significant presence in Durban, seeks an accomplished and strategic Head of Human Resources to lead all HR functions. This pivotal role involves shaping and executing HR strategies that align with the company's business objectives, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and attracting/retaining top talent. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in HR leadership, demonstrating a strong understanding of labour law, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. This is an opportunity to join a well-established organization and play a crucial role in its continued success and employee well-being. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing policies and programs that support our client's growth and uphold its commitment to its workforce. We are looking for a visionary leader who can drive HR initiatives that foster a culture of engagement, performance, and continuous improvement within the organization. The focus will be on building a robust HR framework that supports both individual employee growth and overarching business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies and policies in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and offboarding.
• Lead and manage the HR department, ensuring effective delivery of services.
• Advise senior management on HR-related issues, including legal compliance, employee relations, and organizational design.
• Develop and manage compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain talent.
• Foster a positive and inclusive company culture that promotes employee engagement and well-being.
• Oversee industrial relations and ensure compliance with all relevant labour laws and regulations specific to KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
• Develop and implement talent management and succession planning initiatives.
• Manage the HR budget and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law and HR best practices.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in talent acquisition, performance management, compensation & benefits, and employee relations.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., SHRM) is highly desirable.
• Experience within the manufacturing sector is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and conferences.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Company vehicle allowance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Access to leadership training.