Head of Human Resources

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead all HR functions from our Nelspruit office. Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, this hybrid role requires strategic oversight of talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development.

You will ensure SA labor law compliance, shape the employee experience, and partner with senior management to drive growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HRM/Industrial Psychology/BA; Master's preferred.
• 7–10 years in HR with 3–5 years in a leadership role in SA.
• Experience developing HR strategies in fast-paced environments.
• In-depth knowledge of SA labor law and HR best practices.
• Proven experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation and benefits management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with HRIS and hybrid work environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance appraisal, and succession planning.
• Develop and administer compensation and benefits programs.
• Manage employee relations, conflict resolution, and policy enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with SA labor laws (BCEA, LRA, EEA).
• Drive organizational development, change management, and culture building.
• Develop training and development programs to grow talent.
• Manage HR budgets and resources.
• Advise senior management on HR matters; maintain HR records and analytics.

Skills

HR strategy

Talent acquisition

Performance management

Compensation & benefits

Employee relations

Organizational development

People leadership

HRIS

Education

Bachelors in HRM/Industrial Psychology/BA

Masters preferred

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing player in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Human Resources to lead all HR functions. This pivotal role, based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA, will be responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that support the company's growth, foster a positive employee culture, and ensure compliance with labor laws. You will oversee talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development. We are looking for a forward-thinking HR leader with a strong understanding of the South African labor market and a passion for building high-performing teams. This position operates under a hybrid work model, offering flexibility while maintaining essential in-office collaboration. The Head of HR will be instrumental in shaping the employee experience and driving the company's success through its people.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans.
• Oversee the full spectrum of HR operations, including recruitment and selection, onboarding, talent management, performance appraisal, and succession planning.
• Develop and administer competitive compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain top talent.
• Manage employee relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
• Ensure compliance with all South African labor laws and regulations, including the BCEA, LRA, and EEA.
• Drive organizational development initiatives, including change management, employee engagement, and culture building within the Nelspruit office.
• Develop and implement training and development programs to enhance employee skills and career growth.
• Manage HR budgets and resources effectively.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on all HR-related matters.
• Maintain accurate HR records and leverage HRIS systems for reporting and analytics.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role within South Africa.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing HR strategies in a fast-paced environment.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation and benefits management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and standard office software.
• Experience managing HR within a hybrid work environment is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong ethical compass and commitment to confidentiality.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a generous provident fund, and opportunities for professional development.
• Working in a growing and impactful industry in Nelspruit provides a dynamic career path.
• The hybrid work model offers a good work-life balance.
• You will be part of a committed team driving sustainability and innovation, with the chance to significantly influence the company's culture and employee experience.
• This role is key to the continued success and growth of our client in South Africa.