HR Manager - Agriculture

ARVO; George; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in George, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced HR Manager to oversee HR operations across farm, lab, and nursery departments. This full-time, in-office position requires a minimum of 5 years as an HR Generalist, a recognized HR qualification, and proficiency in MS Word and Excel. The candidate must have excellent communication skills in English and Afrikaans. The role offers a negotiable salary based on experience and suitability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience as an HR Generalist/People Manager in a fast-paced, operational environment.
• Flexibility to work hours aligned to operational needs.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end hiring with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and relevant industry frameworks.
• Maintain a fair, constructive ER climate.
• Draft, refine, and implement HR policies and procedures.

Skills

Emotional maturity

Diplomatic skills

Advanced MS Word & Excel proficiency

Excellent communication in English and Afrikaans

Team collaboration

Education

HR qualification

Job description

HR Manager (Agriculture/Nursery)

Our client is looking for an experienced HR Manager to lead the People function across farm, lab, and nursery operations in George, Western Cape. This role partners closely with operational leaders and reports to the Group Head of HR.

This is a full time, in-office, permanent position.

Salary offered: Market related and negotiable (dependent on experience and suitability of the ideal candidate)

About the role: The scope spans farm, lab, and nursery departments; responsibilities include talent acquisition, performance & succession, compliance (incl. SIZA), IR, and HR operations/HRIS oversight, as reflected in the source material.

Key Responsibilities

Talent, Performance & Engagement

• Lead end-to-end hiring with internal stakeholders and external partners: craft job profiles, screen candidates, conduct interviews, coordinate assessments, and advise on selection.
• Own smooth onboarding and offboarding; drive performance reviews, succession planning, and employee development.
• Champion employee engagement, culture, and wellbeing across diverse teams.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and relevant industry frameworks (including SIZA) and advise line management on labour matters.
• Maintain accurate, current employment contracts, offers, and HR policies; oversee implementation of Employment Equity plans and reporting.

Industrial Relations

• Maintain a fair, constructive ER climate: resolve conflicts and grievances, coach managers on performance and discipline, and manage investigations, notices, and outcomes.
• Support positive union relations and negotiations; uphold adherence to IR policies and the HR manual.

HR Operations & Systems

• Draft, refine, and implement HR policies and procedures; prepare the annual people budget with line managers and Group HR.
• Keep organisational structures current (organograms) for leaders and audit readiness.
• Oversee the HRIS and performance review processes (e.g., Sage 300 People or equivalent) and manage health & safety administration via the client’s online H&S platform.

What You’ll Bring

• Matric and a recognised HR qualification.
• 5+ years’ experience as an HR Generalist/People Manager in a fast-paced, operational environment.
• Advanced MS Word & Excel proficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Afrikaans.
• Flexibility to work hours aligned to operational needs; valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.

Attributes

• Emotionally mature, diplomatic, and calm under pressure; energetic, resilient, self-disciplined, and focused.
• A collaborative team player and strategic business partner who engages confidently at all levels.