HR Generalist / HR Manager

Sentinel Staffing Services; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established engineering company in Johannesburg is seeking an HR Manager to oversee critical HR functions including recruitment, payroll, and employee relations. The ideal candidate will have a strong HR background within manufacturing and a thorough understanding of South African labour legislation. This leadership role requires strategic thinking, compliance knowledge, and excellent interpersonal skills to drive HR initiatives aligned with business goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HR management, preferably in manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and MEIBC regulations.
• Experience in payroll management and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead core HR functions including recruitment, training, and payroll management.
• Ensure compliance with Employment Equity Act and manage employee relations.
• Drive skills development aligned with B-BBEE targets.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources

Industrial Psychology degree

Tools

SAGE VIP Professional Cloud

Job description

About the Company:
Our client is a well-established engineering and manufacturing company based in Steeledale, Johannesburg.

Role Overview:
The HR Manager will lead and coordinate all core HR functions including recruitment, training and development, performance management, payroll, and employee relations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in HR within the manufacturing or engineering sectors, and a deep understanding of South African labour legislation and industry-specific compliance (e.g., MEIBC).

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic HR Leadership

• Align HR strategy with overall business goals
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development initiatives
• Provide guidance and support to senior leadership on HR matters

Training, Development & Compliance

• Drive the annual submission of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR)
• Manage skills development programmes aligned with B-BBEE targets
• Oversee learnerships, internships, and continuous employee development

Performance Management & Compensation

• Facilitate the performance appraisal process across departments
• Recommend and implement wage increases and adjustments
• Administer employee benefits and ensure equitable compensation practices

Employee Relations & Legal Compliance

• Handle employee grievances, disputes, and disciplinary procedures
• Ensure compliance with the MEIBC, Employment Equity Act, BCEA, and LRA
• Maintain accurate Employment Equity (EE) and Skills Development (SD) records
• Represent the company during external audits and inspections

Payroll Management

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing using SAGE VIP Professional Cloud
• Ensure payroll accuracy, statutory compliance, and timely payments
• Liaise with finance on payroll reconciliations and reporting

Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Psychology, or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an HR management role, preferably within the manufacturing or engineering sectors
• Proven experience with MEIBC regulations and wage negotiations
• Strong working knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices
• Proficient in SAGE VIP Professional Cloud
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills

Key Competencies:

• Leadership and strategic thinking
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive HR matters
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities