HR Director – Africa and Middle East

Ultra Pharmaceutical and Medical Placements; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare supplier is seeking a seasoned HR Director to oversee their HR function across Africa and the Middle East from their Johannesburg North office. This role involves leading HR strategy, ensuring compliance with local labour laws, and managing a diverse team of over 700 staff. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of senior HR leadership experience in South Africa and a deep understanding of BBBEE and Employment Equity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of 8 years in Senior HR Leadership roles within South Africa.
• Deep knowledge of South African labour laws, IR practices, BBBEE, and Employment Equity.
• Experience in a multinational or complex matrix environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the HR strategy for the Region.
• Manage compensation & benefits, talent acquisition, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and oversee Industrial Relations matters.
• Drive BBBEE strategy and Champion Employment Equity planning.
• Provide strategic HR leadership across various HR functions.

Skills

Senior HR Leadership

Knowledge of South African labour laws

Business acumen

Ability to influence at Executive level

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources

Postgraduate qualification preferred

Job description

Leading healthcare / medical supplier requires a seasoned HR Director to join their team in Johannesburg North. Current HR experience within a multinational or complex matrix environment is essential.

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)