HR Operations Manager - Remote First

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote culture

Home office stipend

Health insurance

Stock options

Generous PTO

Dev budget

Autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a fast-paced technology startup to hire an experienced HR Operations Manager. This fully remote role leads the HR infrastructure, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and HRIS across a distributed team, ensuring compliance and scalable processes.

You will drive remote-first policies, partner with Finance and Legal, and shape employee experiences in a dynamic, high-growth environment. A strategic yet hands-on leader with SA labor law knowledge will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or SHRM-SCP certifications preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with 4+ in HR Operations/HRM, preferably in tech.
• Proven remote HR operations experience.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law and compliance.
• HRIS implementation and management expertise.
• Strong analytical skills and HR data reporting.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills in virtual settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage HR operational processes including onboarding, offboarding, benefits, payroll, and HRIS.
• Ensure HR compliance with labor laws across regions where employees are located.
• Design scalable HR policies for a remote-first environment.
• Oversee HRIS data accuracy, security, and reporting.
• Manage employee data, performance cycles, and compensation for a distributed workforce.
• Lead engagement and retention strategies tailored for remote teams.
• Partner with finance and legal to ensure seamless operation and risk mitigation.
• Manage HR vendors and service providers effectively.
• Analyze HR data to identify improvements and drive efficiency.
• Serve as point of contact for complex HR operational queries.

Skills

HR Operations

HRIS

Payroll Oversight

Compliance

Data Analysis

Project Management

Remote Work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related

Master's degree / SHRM-SCP

Tools

HRIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-paced and innovative technology startup specializing in SaaS solutions, is looking for an experienced HR Operations Manager to build and lead their HR infrastructure entirely remotely. This is a pivotal role where you will design, implement, and manage all HR operational processes, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and scalability for a rapidly growing, distributed team. You will be instrumental in establishing best practices for remote HR, including onboarding, performance management, compensation, and compliance, all within a virtual-first framework. This position demands a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, a deep understanding of remote work dynamics, and a passion for creating exceptional employee experiences. As a fully remote role, it offers the ultimate flexibility and the opportunity to shape the future of HR operations for a cutting-edge company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage all HR operational processes, including onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, payroll oversight, and HRIS management.
• Ensure HR compliance with all relevant labor laws across the regions where employees are located.
• Design and implement scalable HR policies and procedures suitable for a remote-first environment.
• Oversee the HR Information System (HRIS), ensuring data accuracy, security, and efficient reporting.
• Manage employee data, performance management cycles, and compensation structures for a distributed workforce.
• Lead the development and implementation of employee engagement and retention strategies tailored for remote teams.
• Partner with finance and legal teams to ensure seamless operational integration and risk mitigation.
• Manage HR vendors and service providers effectively.
• Analyze HR operational data to identify areas for improvement and drive efficiency.
• Serve as a point of contact for complex HR operational queries from employees and management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or relevant HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP) are preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 4 years in an HR Operations or HR Management role, preferably in tech.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing HR operations for a fully remote or remote-first company.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law and HR compliance requirements.
• Expertise in HRIS implementation and management.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with HR data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, effective in virtual settings.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage ambiguity.
• Experience in a high-growth startup environment is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Stock options or equity in a growing startup.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO and flexible working hours.
• Professional development opportunities and budget.
• Home office setup stipend.
• Significant autonomy and the chance to build HR infrastructure from the ground up.
• A dynamic, innovative, and fully remote work culture.