HR Business Partner

Sumer Group Holdings Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading people-first firm based in Johannesburg is seeking an HR Business Partner to influence employee engagement and compliance throughout the employee lifecycle. The role involves partnering with Sumer Offshore Services and requires strong insights into employee relations and compliance with employment law. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of employment law and employee relations.
• Proven experience acting as a credible HR professional.
• Experience in professional services is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Advise leadership on people-related matters.
• Lead employee relations and performance management.
• Support the full employee lifecycle from induction to exit.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and employees.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and HR policies.
• Recommend improvements to existing processes.
• Shape an inclusive, values-led culture.

Skills

Understanding of employment law and employee relations

Approachable HR professional

Confidence to lead conversations

Interpersonal skills

Job description

HR Business Partner

Department: People & Culture

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Johannesburg

Description

Are you ready to take the lead on people initiatives in a growing, people-first business?

123 Consulting are a people-first accounting and advisory firm based in Johannesburg and Somerset West. They are proud to be part of the Sumer Group, a leading accountancy practice across the UK and Ireland.

Here at 123, we believe in building long-term relationships with clients and giving our people the chance to thrive in a supportive, professional environment that values initiative, collaboration, and integrity.

The Role

We’re looking for a confident and compassionate People & Culture (HR) Business Partner to join our team, someone who can bring structure, insight, and meaningful engagement to the employee experience.

You’ll be based in our Johannesburg office, and will partner with two parts of our organisation:

• Sumer Offshore Services (SOS) – a fast-scaling offshore support business that supports the UK and Ireland.
• 123 Consulting – a well-established accounting and consulting hub with strong foundations.

Together, we’re growing at pace. Your work will influence employee experience, engagement, and compliance across the entire employee lifecycle, the majority of your focus will be spent on rapidly expanding SOS team.

You will report to the People & Culture Director based in the UK, whilst working closely and collaboratively with the Managing Director at 123 Consulting, so being adaptable to how you communicate and build working relationships is key. You will also work in collaboration with our People & Culture Business Partners across the UK and Ireland, sharing best practice and driving efficiencies. You’ll take the lead on any key initiatives that require roll out to your areas of the organisation. The role offers variety, and the chance to shape how people and culture work at scale, this could be your ideal next step.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted partner to leadership, advising on all people-related matters
• Lead employee relations, performance management, and policy development
• Support the full employee lifecycle: induction, development, engagement, and exit
• Build strong, supportive relationships with stakeholders and employees
• Ensure compliance through utilising employment law and internal HR policies
• Bring a critical eye to existing processes and recommend improvements
• Help shape and uphold an inclusive, values-led culture
• Contribute to diversity and transformation efforts across the wider People and Culture community across the Sumer Group

About You

Skills & Experience:

• A strong understanding of employment law and employee relations
• Proven experience acting as a credible and approachable HR professional
• Confidence to lead courageous conversations, handling them with empathy and professionalism
• Experience within professional services is beneficial
• Excellent interpersonal skills – you’re a critical friend, a coach, and a trusted voice

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.