HR Generalist - Operations & Compliance

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Annual bonus

Training opportunities

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a diligent HR Generalist in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal to manage day-to-day HR operations, ensure compliance with labor laws, and uphold company policies. The role focuses on administrative excellence, employee support, and regulatory adherence in a stable manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will oversee recruitment support, onboarding, payroll, benefits, HR policy development, and confidential handling of sensitive information.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an HR Generalist or in an HR operations role.
• Thorough knowledge of South African labor law and best HR practices.
• Experience with payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Proficiency in HRIS software and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage full employee lifecycle including recruitment support, onboarding and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data integrity.
• Administer benefits programs and ensure timely processing.
• Oversee payroll processing and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and communicate HR policies and procedures.
• Support employee relations and conduct preliminary investigations as needed.
• Prepare HR reports and metrics for management.

Skills

Recruitment coordination

Payroll processing

Employee relations

Policy development

Data privacy/compliance

Education

National Diploma in Human Resources Management

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS software

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing firm in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for a diligent and detail-oriented HR Generalist to manage day-to-day HR operations and ensure strict compliance with all relevant labor laws and company policies. This role is crucial for maintaining a smooth and productive work environment, focusing on administrative excellence, employee support, and regulatory adherence. The successful candidate will be hands‑on, possess a strong understanding of HR best practices, and be committed to upholding the highest standards of HR management within the organization. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational efficiency and employee welfare in a stable industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment support, onboarding, offboarding, and maintaining accurate employee records.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other statutory benefits, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all relevant legislation and company policies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are current, comprehensive, and effectively communicated to all employees.
• Ensure compliance with South African labor laws, including BCEA, LRA, EEA, and other relevant acts, updating policies and practices as needed.
• Manage employee relations issues, providing guidance and support to employees and management, and conducting preliminary investigations as required.
• Coordinate and facilitate employee training and development programs, tracking participation and effectiveness.
• Prepare HR reports and metrics for management, providing insights into employee data, turnover, absenteeism, and other key areas.
• Maintain the HR Information System (HRIS), ensuring data integrity and security.
• Support the HR Manager in various HR projects and initiatives as needed.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an HR Generalist or in a similar HR operational role.
• Thorough knowledge of South African labor law and HR best practices.
• Experience with payroll processing and administration of employee benefits.
• Proficiency in HRIS software and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a stable company.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Company-provided uniform and workwear.
• A structured and supportive working environment located in Durban .
• Employee wellness programs.
• Training and development opportunities relevant to the role.