Hr Manager

Cresco Consulting; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in South Africa is looking for a dynamic Human Resources Manager. This role involves strategic HR leadership for a workforce engaged in fruit production. The candidate will drive HR initiatives, ensure compliance with labour laws, and lead a team of HR professionals in a hybrid work setting. Ideal candidates should possess extensive HR experience and knowledge of the agricultural sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' HR management experience leading a team of at least 6.
• Proven experience at Exco or senior management level.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Lead change management and workforce planning.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning.
• Drive training and skills development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and company policies.
• Build positive workplace culture and manage employee relations.
• Use HR data to inform decisions and track KPIs.
• Oversee employee wellness programs.

Skills

HR management experience

Leadership

Knowledge of labour legislation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Introduction

Our client, Chiltern Farms, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function of their large-scale fruit farming operation, producing apples, pears and blueberries.

The role encompasses strategic and operational HR leadership across a diverse workforce that grows to approximately 1, seasonal employees during peak times. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing people strategies that support sustainable growth, workforce stability, and a high-performance culture. This position requires a driven and energetic professional who thrives in a fast-paced agricultural environment, is highly organised, and can engage effectively with employees across all levels — from seasonal workers to senior management. Chiltern Farms is situated among picturesque mountains in Vyeboom, which is between Grabouw and Villiersdorp.

The position follows a hybrid work model, with the successful candidate expected to be on-site at the farm three days per week and able to work remotely for two days per week.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership : Develop and implement HR strategies, systems, and initiatives aligned with organisational goals.
• Organisational Design & Development : Lead change management, workforce planning, and role design to support business growth.
• Talent Management : Oversee recruitment, onboarding, job evaluation, and succession planning to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
• Learning & Development : Drive training, skills development, and succession initiatives; manage WSP / ATR submissions.
• Employment Equity : Ensure EE compliance, manage EE committees, and monitor progress against EE plans.
• Performance, Reward & Benefits : Manage compensation strategy, benefits, performance management, and payroll oversight.
• Employee Relations : Build positive workplace culture, maintain union relations, facilitate wage negotiations, and handle disputes.
• Compliance & Risk : Ensure compliance with labour laws, company policies, and external audits (e.g., SIZA, Global Gap, DOL).
• HR Analytics & Reporting : Use HR data to inform decisions, track KPIs, and report on key people metrics.
• Health & Wellness : Oversee employee wellness and incapacity management programs.
• Leadership & Budgeting : Lead and develop the HR team, manage departmental budgets, and contribute to EXCO-level decision-making.
• Community Engagement : Support company social and community development initiatives.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management or related field (postgraduate qualification advantageous).
• Minimum of 10 years' HR management experience, including leadership of a team of at least 6 HR professionals.
• Proven experience at Exco or senior management level.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Agricultural or seasonal labour environment experience highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated success in managing the HR operations for large workforces (up to approximately 1, employees).