HR Operations Manager

Hire Resolve; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced HR Operations Manager in Cape Town to drive HR transformation and ensure compliance with policies. This role encompasses performance management, employee engagement, and operational excellence within HR functions. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and over 5 years of senior management experience, demonstrating strong analytical capabilities and leadership skills. The position offers a highly competitive salary based on experience, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior HR management role.
• In‑depth knowledge of HR and IR practices.
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills across all levels.
• Proven leadership across HR operations and teams.
• Excellent communication in English and Afrikaans, with stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Drive transformation of the HR function.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and internal policies.
• Lead change management initiatives aligned with business strategy.
• Manage centralised payroll and benefits administration.
• Develop recruitment, retention and learning strategies.
• Collaborate with operations and production for workforce planning.
• Provide executive reporting on HR metrics and risks.

Skills

Strong generalist HR experience

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Leadership and team management abilities

Ability to build supportive teams

Communication (English/Afrikaans)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Grade 12 (Secondary Education)

Tools

HR management software

Job description

Hire Resolve’s client is seeking an experienced and dynamic HR Operations Manager to join their team in Cape Town, WC. The HR Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the transformation of the human resources function, ensuring alignment with the company’s evolving strategies. This role is responsible for ensuring adherence to standards, policies, and practices, and implementing performance management and operations management initiatives. The HR Operations Manager will ensure appropriate HR transactional performance, optimise HR systems, and foster a high‑performance culture that aligns with the company’s agile and manufacturing goals.

Responsibilities

• Manual Implementation
• Roll‑out and embed HR policies, standards, and practices.
• Conduct training sessions for managers and employees.
• Lead change management initiatives aligned with business strategy.
• Performance Management
• Implement and maintain performance frameworks.
• Coach managers in setting goals and managing performance.
• Promote continuous feedback culture.
• Use data for decision‑making and reporting to leadership.

Operations Management

• Optimize HR systems and workflows (recruitment, onboarding, payroll, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and internal policies.
• Drive process improvement for HR service delivery.
• Conduct workforce planning and manage employee lifecycle processes.
• Analyze HR metrics for trends and improvements.

Employee Relations and Engagement

• Champion employee engagement and retention strategies.
• Handle disputes and promote a collaborative environment.
• Drive wellness and inclusion initiatives.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Act as a strategic business partner to leadership.
• Lead and develop the HR operations team.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations and production teams.

Self‑Development

• Assess and address own development needs.

Transitional Responsibilities

Centralised Payroll Management

• Oversee accurate payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Act as salary administrator.
• Lead payroll system migration (VIP to PaySpace).

Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Develop company‑wide recruitment and retention strategies.

Learning and Development

• Oversee training, career development, and succession planning.
• Conduct learning needs analysis and manage training budgets.
• Oversee the SDF function, including WSP and ATR reporting.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Advise on Health & Safety matters.
• Manage incapacity processes.

Employment Equity

• Develop and implement EE strategy and plan.
• Ensure compliance and reporting.

Compensation Management

• Manage salary structures and benchmarking.
• Ensure PIMCA compliance.

Board Committee Participation & SMETA

• Represent company at Social and Ethics & Remuneration Committees.
• Act as company rep for SMETA certification.

Requirements

• Grade 12 (Secondary Education)
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Human Resources or a related field)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior HR management role
• Strong generalist HR and specialist Industrial Relations (IR) experience
• In‑depth knowledge of HR and IR practices, including disciplinary procedures, hearings, and arbitrations
• Understanding of all HR pillars as defined by SABPP
• Strategic planning experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to make data‑driven decisions
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills across all levels of the organization
• Well‑developed leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent organisational, time management, and communication skills (English & Afrikaans)
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and respond to risks and opportunities
• Business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking
• Advanced computer literacy
• Ability to build well‑aligned, supportive teams
• Capable of making sound decisions at strategic, tactical, and operational levels
• Accountable for all HR operations with effective escalation structures
• Sets a benchmark for transparent, open, and responsive communication

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career‑changing move.

• Salary: negotiable.
• Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.
• Apply for this role today, contact Sonique Beetge at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn.
• You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV: [e-mail].

We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.