HR Executive

G-Core Capital; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing company is seeking an experienced HR Executive to lead HR strategy across two plants with approximately 550 employees. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in industrial relations and union negotiations, and experience in a unionised environment. Responsibilities include engaging with staff at all levels and navigating change management. This role offers the potential to transition into a global HR position.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in HR, especially in unionised environments.
• Proven ability in managing global stakeholders.
• Strong grasp of HR metrics and their impact on business.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy across two manufacturing plants.
• Engage with all levels of staff, from leadership to plant-floor employees.
• Navigate change management and organizational restructuring.

Skills

Industrial relations

Conflict resolution

Union negotiations

Performance management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Post Graduate degree related to HR

Job description

Overview

HR Executive

Our client is a global and stable manufacturing concern seeking the skills of an HR Executive.

The successful candidate should be :

• A seasoned HR professional with extensive experience in unionised environments (10 -15 years with a Post Grad related degree).
• Highly skilled in industrial relations (IR) , union negotiations, conflict resolution, and maintaining strong employee relations.
• Strategic in outlook , while also hands-on in execution, with the ability to balance operational HR with long-term business goals.
• Exceptionally well spoken, professional and able to represent the company credibly at both local and global levels.
• Experienced in working with global stakeholders , particularly across American and European counterparts, and able to manage a demanding global reporting line.
• Responsible for leading a team of 4 direct reports and driving HR strategy across two manufacturing plants with ±500–550 employees.
• Comfortable engaging with all levels of staff , from senior leadership to plant-floor employees, earning buy-in and respect across the business.
• Prepared to be visible on the ground (safety gear, plant walk-throughs) while also presenting confidently at executive and global forums.
• Strong in performance management , holding people accountable, and addressing underperformance effectively.
• Commercially minded, with a strong grasp of HR metrics and numbers to demonstrate the impact of HR decisions on delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Resilient and able to challenge senior management respectfully and influence decision-making.
• With the potential to transition into a global HR role long-term .

Additional focus areas

• Change management – navigating shifts in culture, organisational restructuring, and transformation.
• Talent management & succession planning – building a strong pipeline for critical roles.
• Learning & development – ensuring skills growth at both plant and leadership levels.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) – aligning with global standards and local labour laws.
• Compliance & governance – ensuring labour legislation, health and safety, and global HR policies are upheld.