HR Continuous Improvement and Operations Project Manager 1

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Johannesburg seeks an experienced HR Continuous Improvement and Operations Project Manager to oversee talent initiatives and enhance HR operations. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience, strong project management skills, and the ability to operate in fast-paced environments. Key responsibilities include managing cross-functional projects, driving innovation, and ensuring compliance with HR regulations, alongside developing strong stakeholder relationships. This role requires a motivated individual with a strategic mindset and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in HR or project management.
• Experience in professional services or large corporate environments preferred.
• Experience in change management/talent operations roles.
• Ability to work in international and diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage continuous improvement activities within the HR function.
• Drive innovation and enhance user experience through technology.
• Monitor project performance and resolve issues as they arise.
• Support HR compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to build relationships

Analytical skills

Change management

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

HR Continuous Improvement and Operations Project Manager 1

Location: Johannesburg

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: Jan 15, 2026

Requisition ID: 1675187

The opportunity:

Join the Africa HR Enablement team as a HR Continuous Improvement (CI) and Operations Project Manager (PM). The HR Continuous Improvement and Operations PM will:

• Support and manage a portfolio of Talent initiatives and projects aimed at continuously improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Region Talent Team across processes, technology and operations, while strengthening the alignment of the Region to Area/ Global.
• Support delivery of cross-functional projects which build organisational capability and changes ways of working within the business

We are looking for someone who is motivated, curious, with great attention to detail and strong inter-personal skills to help us with project managing and delivering on the day-to-day operations of the many projects and processes that the team drives, facilitates and delivers.

Responsible for identifying, shaping and delivering cross functional initiatives and projects aimed at continuously improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Region Talent Team across processes, technology and operations, while strengthening the alignment of the Region to Area/ Global. Responsible for delivering cross-functional projects which build organisational capability and changes ways of working within the business. Develop strong networks with other projects and performance consultants to share good practice.

Reports to:

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and project manage continuous improvement activities and/or projects, working closely within the Region HR function and with Area / Global HR teams to continuously improve and optimize the HR operating model and service delivery standards through technology and process
• Working with Region and Area/Global teams, drive innovation and enhanced user experience through global technology platforms
• Monitor performance against agreed standards for activities/projects being managed; work to resolve issues as they arise
• Develop and implement methodologies to measure benefits realization over time after project completion
• Support the provision of valuable, “fit for purpose” management information within the HR function
• Apply insight and knowledge to transform HR data into meaningful, tangible outputs to support data-led discussion and decision making
• Support internal HR Finance processes and policies to ensure good financial controls and planning activities are in place, summarising key financial information, metrics and actions
• Support HR compliance by ensuring adherence to various regulatory requirements and guidance
• Talent team operations management including Sharepoint site maintenance, managing and coordinating monthly team meetings, ad hoc operational support for Regional Talent Leadership

Key interactions:

• Regional Talent Leader
• Other Regional Talent Team functions, i.e. Recruiting, Talent Development, Total Rewards, Talent Consultants, etc
• HR Services, i.e Talent Shared Services, HR Systems, People Data Reporting & Analytics, Mobility, HR Projects, M&A
• Other Non-Talent functions, e.g. IT and Finance

Skills:

• Demonstrable experience of thinking and acting strategically and commercially in pursuit of the wider EY business objectives
• Demonstrable experience of working in fast-paced, stressful environments to deliver required results
• Strong business acumen and knowledge of HR operations and experience to implement them effectively
• Ability to proactively identify continuous improvement opportunities, solve problems and drive to exceed expectations
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to perform and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and with minimal oversight; work well under pressure and with time constraints
• Strong project management skills - to oversee projects to time/cost/quality standards
• Strong problem solving/conceptual/analytical thinking; able to assess complex or ambiguous situations and propose recommended solutions
• Strong team player with an enthusiastic, can do approach, able to interact well with people at all levels within the firm. Able to pre-empt stakeholder needs, communicate timely, and proactively manage expectations
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills - ability to set priorities and allocate work within effective time frames
• Strong influencing and communication skills – ability and maturity to challenge and influence internal and external stakeholders (where required) to achieve desired outcomes
• Knowledge of change management and ability to execute change acting as a change agent.
• Advanced analytical skills including advanced Excel skills, Power BI skills, etc

Experiences:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience
• Preferred experience includes working in:
  • Professional services or a large corporate environment
  • Change management / Talent Operations type roles
  • International and diverse environments
  • Matrix organisations
• Project management focussed roles or experiences