HR Generalist/Manager

Acumen Resources Development (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The HR Manager will lead the human resources function in South Africa, ensuring alignment with local labour legislation and the company’s global HR strategy. This role drives recruitment, employee relations, performance management, talent development, compensation, transformation and compliance to foster a high-performance, inclusive culture.

With 300+ staff, the role splits 20% strategy and 80% execution, reporting to the General Manager and Head of HR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience with 3–5 years in management.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR practices.
• Experience with Employment Equity and BBBEE processes.
• Proven track record in employee relations and change management.
• Experience in a multinational or matrix environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders on people-related matters.
• Develop and implement HR policies aligned with SA labour laws.
• Lead workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Drive recruitment and onboarding for SA operations.
• Ensure compliance with SA labour laws and statutory requirements.
• Oversee performance management and talent development.
• Coordinate EE/BBBEE reporting and HRIS oversight.

Skills

HR strategy

People management

Labour relations

Stakeholder engagement

Performance management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources

Industrial Psychology or related field

Tools

HRIS

Payroll processing

Job description

Our Client, a reputable and successful Company within the Agricultural Industry seeks an experienced HR Manager/Generalist.

Reports To

General Manager and Head of HR- Vertical

Package

Negotiable

Role Purpose

The HR Manager will lead and manage the human resources function in South Africa, ensuring alignment with both local labour legislation and the company’s global HR strategy. The role is responsible for driving people initiatives across recruitment, employee relations, performance management, talent development, compensation, transformation (EE/BBBEE), and compliance, to foster a high-performance and inclusive culture.

This role entails 20% Strategy and 80% Execution.

Workforce size required: 300+ staff

Agricultural Industry experience would be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

HR Strategy & Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders on all people-related matters.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures aligned with South African labour laws and company guidelines.
• Support workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Develop and drive HR strategies in support of the overall business strategy.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Manage the end-to-end recruitment process for South Africa in an efficient and timely manner.
• Build strong talent pipelines and implement strategies to attract and retain top talent.
• Oversee onboarding and induction programs to ensure smooth integration of new employees.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with South African Labour Relations Act, BCEA, Employment Equity Act, Skills Development Act, and other relevant legislation.
• Handle disciplinary actions, grievances, and workplace conflict in line with company policies and legal requirements.
• Partner with legal advisors and external consultants when required.

Performance & Talent Management

• Drive performance management cycles including goal setting, reviews, and feedback within the prescribed annual schedule.
• Identify high-potential employees and support succession planning.
• Facilitate training and development initiatives, including Skills Development reporting.
• Drive and collaborate in group/vertical/country related learning and development programs, recognition programs and creating harmonious environment to work.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Work with finance/payroll teams to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing.
• Manage compensation reviews, salary benchmarking, and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with SARS, UIF, PAYE, and other statutory requirements.

Transformation & Diversity (South Africa Specific)

• Lead Employment Equity (EE) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) initiatives in line with company goals and statutory reporting.
• Prepare and submit EE and Skills Development reports as required.

HR Operations & Reporting

• Maintain accurate HR records and employee files.
• Oversee HRIS

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience managing Employment Equity and B-BBEE processes.
• Proven track record in employee relations and change management.
• Experience in a multinational or matrix environment (advantageous).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage ambiguity.
• Deadline driven with the ability to execute tasks efficiently and on time.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution capability.