Human Resource Officer

Smart Talent Africa; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an HR Officer to manage recruitment, onboarding, and HR administration. The candidate will have at least 2-5 years of HR experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include managing employee relations, supporting legislative compliance, and driving employee engagement initiatives. This role requires strong Excel and Word skills and excellent communication abilities, with a focus on teamwork and professionalism. It is a fully on-site position with fixed working hours.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years’ experience as an HR Officer/HRBP.
• Proven experience in salaried recruitment.
• Experience in manufacturing or FMCG preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end salaried recruitment.
• Manage onboarding, probation, and performance management.
• Deliver HR administration including contracts and employee files.
• Support line managers on performance improvement and employee relations.
• Compile HR and ad-hoc reports.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives.

Skills

End-to-end salaried recruitment experience

Strong Excel skills

Strong Word skills

Excellent English communication

Education

Degree in HR or Psychology

Job description

Background:

Excellent hands‑on, high‑impact opportunity for an HR professional who wants real exposure, real responsibility, and real growth inside a blue‑chip FMCG manufacturing environment.

The company is a respected industry leader. This role sits at the heart of the business, partnering closely with line management and taking ownership of people processes that genuinely shape performance, culture, and outcomes.

If you are confident operating independently, enjoy being close to the business, and want to deepen your HR capability in a structured, professional environment — this role will stretch and grow you.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Around 40–50% of this role is salaried recruitment and people lifecycle management, with the balance covering core HR operations and engagement.

You will:

• Own end‑to‑end salaried recruitment (advertising, screening, interviewing, onboarding)
• Manage onboarding, probation and performance management with line managers
• Deliver HR administration: contracts, employee files, benefits administration, exits
• Support and coach line managers on performance improvement and employee relations
• Operate within a manufacturing / unionised environment (IR exposure advantageous)
• Coordinate inductions, toolbox talks and departmental sessions
• Compile HR, Employment Equity, disciplinary and ad‑hoc reports
• Drive employee engagement initiatives, wellness, CSI and celebration events
• Support legislative compliance and HR reporting
• Oversee the reception and front‑office function

What We’re Looking For (Non‑Negotiable)

• Degree in HR or Psychology (Honours advantageous)
• 2–5 years’ experience as an HR Officer / HRBP
• Proven end‑to‑end salaried recruitment experience
• Strong Excel and Word skills (intermediate to advanced)
• Experience working in manufacturing or FMCG preferred
• Own reliable transport and flexibility to work late or off‑site when required
• Excellent English communication skills

  The Right Fit Will Be Someone Who Is:

  • Confident, warm, grounded and professional
  • Highly organised and resilient under pressure
  • Comfortable having tough conversations with empathy
  • Humble, authentic, well‑spoken, with positive energy
  • Genuinely passionate about people and HR excellence

  Salary & Benefits

  Commensurate with the role responsibilities

  Important to Note

  • This is a fully on‑site role (no hybrid or flexible arrangements)
  • Fixed working hours apply