HR Director â Africa and Middle East

Ultra Personnel; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational organization located in Johannesburg, seeks an experienced Human Resources Director to lead the HR function across Africa and the Middle East. This strategic role involves shaping the HR agenda, ensuring compliance with local laws, and managing a workforce of over 700 staff across various facilities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in HR leadership, with deep knowledge of South African labour practices and experience in a complex environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Senior HR Leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of South African labour laws and Employment Equity.
• Experience in a multinational or complex matrix environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy for the Africa and Middle East Region.
• Manage compensation, talent acquisition, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws.

Skills

Senior HR Leadership

Knowledge of South African labour laws

Industrial Relations practices

Business acumen

Executive level influence

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources or Labour Law

Job description

Experienced Human Resources Director to lead the HR function in Africa and Middle East Countries. This strategic leadership role is pivotal in shaping our people agenda, ensuring compliance with local labour laws, and driving transformation initiatives aligned with BBBEE and Employment Equity frameworks in South Africa.

This position is located in Johannesburg North and beyond its strategic responsibilities, will also oversee the local organization. This includes managing the primary sales offices, two manufacturing facilities, and more than 40 medical facilities across the country. Headcount of 700 + staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the HR strategy for the Region in alignment with business goals and the functional alignment of Human Resources for LATMEA Region (Latam, Middle East and Africa Countries)
• Manage compensation & benefits, talent acquisition, training & development, and employee relations programs
• Develop the HR Business partnering role in the Region, align with the organization New Operating Model philosophy
• Ensure full compliance with labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, EEA, and Skills Development Act
• Oversee Industrial Relations (IR) matters, including union engagement, dispute resolution, and disciplinary processes
• Drive BBBEE strategy and implementation, ensuring alignment with sector charters and scorecard targets
• Champion Employment Equity planning and reporting, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Provide strategic HR leadership across talent acquisition, performance management, learning & development, and succession planning
• Partner with senior leadership to shape organizational culture and change management initiatives
• Lead and mentor a high-performing HR team

Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Proven experience (8 years or more) in Senior HR Leadership roles within South Africa
• Deep knowledge of South African labour laws, IR practices, BBBEE, and Employment Equity
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence at Executive level
• Experience in a multinational or complex matrix environment is advantageous
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Labour Law, or related field (postgraduate qualification preferred)