HR Generalist (contract)

CF Consulting; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm seeks an experienced HR Generalist to provide comprehensive HR support across South Africa, focusing on employee relations and operational excellence. You'll manage the employee lifecycle, ensure compliance with labor legislation, and oversee recruitment processes. A Bachelor's degree in HR and 5–8 years of relevant experience in the financial services sector are required. This fixed-term contract offers an opportunity to impact HR functions significantly.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of HR Generalist or HR Business Partner experience within South Africa and in the Financial Services sector.
• Experience in HR operations and administration, preferably within financial, professional, or services sectors.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive HR support to South African operations during a period of team secondment.
• Manage the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including onboarding and contract management.
• Oversee recruitment for South African roles, ensuring compliance with EE targets.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

HR operations knowledge

Strong organizational skills

Relationship building

Strategic insight

Integrity and confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

Job description

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Reporting to the HR Director, this fixed‑term contract covers the full spectrum of HR functions, including employee relations, business partnering, HR operations, administration, and recruitment. The role supports leaders across South Africa, with a particular focus on upholding the company’s values.

PURPOSE

The HR Generalist will provide comprehensive HR support to the South African operations, ensuring business continuity during a period of team secondment. This role is responsible for maintaining high standards of HR service, compliance, and business partnership by blending strong employee relations expertise with operational and administrative excellence.

Principal Elements & Accountabilities

Employee Relations (ER)

• Manage disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and performance management processes in line with South African labor legislation.
• Deliver pragmatic ER advice and coach managers to proactively address workplace issues.
• Represent the company in CCMA proceedings and liaise with external legal advisors as needed.

HR Business Partnering

• Collaborate with leaders to align people strategies with operational and strategic priorities.
• Support organisational design, workforce planning, and clarify role responsibilities.
• Identify people risks, propose practical solutions, and drive engagement and wellness initiatives to strengthen culture and performance.

HR Operations

• Manage the end‑to‑end employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contract management, changes, and exits.
• Ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of employee data, documentation, and compliance with internal controls.
• Coordinate payroll inputs and monthly reconciliations with Finance, and support HR reporting requirements (headcount, EE, leave, turnover, etc.).
• Maintain HRIS and personnel files with precision.

HR Administration

• Prepare employment contracts, offer letters, and relevant documentation in accordance with policy.
• Maintain up‑to‑date HR trackers and registers (probation, fixed‑term contracts, performance cycles).
• Support HR audits and statutory submissions (e.g., EEA2/EEA4, WSP/ATR).
• Provide responsive administrative support to the HR Director and broader HR team.

Recruitment & Talent

• Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment for South African roles, ensuring fair selection, onboarding, and induction processes.
• Partner with line managers to ensure compliance with Employment Equity (EE) targets and hiring standards.

COMPETENCIES

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of employee relations and HR processes, with strong working knowledge of South African labour law and CCMA practice.
• Organisational Skills: Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and reliable in managing multiple HR priorities.
• Relationship Building: Effective at building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic Insight: Able to balance day‑to‑day operational delivery with broader business and people strategy.
• Integrity & Confidentiality: Demonstrates high ethical standards, discretion, and a strong service orientation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of HR Generalist or HR Business Partner experience within South Africa and in the Financial Services sector.
• Experience in HR operations and administration, preferably within financial, professional, or services sectors.