HR Director

Inspired Education; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education organization is seeking an HR Director to oversee HR for 14 schools in Africa. The role requires a hands-on leader to develop HR strategies, manage a team, and ensure legal compliance. The ideal candidate must have experience in international growth and demonstrate strong people-oriented skills. This opportunity is impactful and suitable for someone who enjoys navigating complexity in dynamic environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a hands-on HR leader, preferably as Head of HR or Senior HR Manager.
• Experience in fast-growing international firms or developing people practices.
• In-depth knowledge of labor law and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR team with a hands-on approach.
• Serve as a business partner to the CEO.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with global objectives.
• Oversee recruitment efforts for all locations.
• Manage onboarding and exit processes.
• Ensure legal compliance in HR management.

Skills

Hands-on HR leadership

Experience with HR metrics

Active listening

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Data-driven approach

Job description

Job title: HR Director

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline: December 25, 2025

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ROLE SUMMARY

• We have an exciting opportunity for a Regional Head of Human Resources to join us looking after the Africa region. They will play a critical hands‑on role in overseeing the delivery of the HR service across 14 schools in the region and 1,650 employees in South Africa, 150 in Kenya and 160 in Mauritius.
• The role will report to the Chief Human Resources Officer based in London and will be a key business partner and thought leader to the regional CEO. You will have a team of 7 and a focus on repositioning the Africa HR function, so it acts as a business partner for the Heads of our schools by driving performance and enabling the business to scale efficiently and effectively via organic, M&A and greenfield site expansion and growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the HR team with a hands‑on approach, directly engaging with Heads and staff driving HR initiatives.
• Serve as a business partner to the CEO, providing insights and support for organisational development.
• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives that align with the overall mission and objectives of our global strategy.
• Oversee recruitment efforts for all locations, ensuring a fair and efficient hiring process.
• Manage onboarding and exit processes, enhancing the employee experience.
• Provide strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and plans to the executive management team.
• Support current and future business needs through the development, engagement, motivation, and preservation of human capital at a Global and Regional level.
• Develop and monitor overall HR strategies, systems, tactics, and procedures across the organization.
• Nurture a positive working environment by maintaining a strong culture and fostering open communication.
• Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance.
• Ensure legal compliance throughout human resource management.
• Manage HR budgets and report on metrics.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• Proven experience in a similar position, as a hands‑on HR leader, most likely currently serving as a Head of HR, Senior HR Manager or Senior HR Business Partner.
• Relevant experience may have been formed in a fast‑growing international scale‑up or supporting organisations develop world‑class people practices.
• Experience in leading remote or multi‑site HR teams.
• Exposure to working in private equity‑backed enterprises would be highly beneficial.
• Demonstrate high levels of competence in managing and leading through ambiguity and complexity, and will be comfortable with rapid decision‑making, even if that means pivoting a plan.
• A track record of leading and navigating organisational and cultural change.
• The successful candidate must be proactive and excited by rolling up their sleeves and delivering at pace within a lean operating environment.
• Demonstrable experience with HR metrics and have an analytical approach.
• In‑depth knowledge of labour law and HR best practices, and comfortable leading employee relations matters.
• Be data‑driven, business‑focused, and employee experience‑led in their approach.
• Be people‑oriented and results‑driven.
• Excellent active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Competence to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels of the company.