R and D Technologist

ManpowerGroup; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing solutions company seeks a seasoned HR Business Partner to align people practices with business objectives. This role involves strategic partnership with leadership while enhancing employee engagement and ensuring compliance with South African labour law. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant HR degree and have 3–5 years of experience in a similar role. Understanding of the automotive industry is preferred. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to company culture are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in an HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist role.
• Strong understanding of South African labour law.
• Proven experience in employee relations and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders on workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies.
• Advise line managers on employee relations in line with South African labour legislation.
• Handle disciplinary, grievance, and incapacity cases fairly and compliantly.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives to improve morale and retention.
• Oversee HR operations including payroll inputs and benefits administration.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Talent acquisition

Workforce planning

HR best practices

Education

Relevant HR degree or diploma

Job description

Detail:The Role: The HR Business Partner will align people practices with business objectives across multiple dealerships and brands, acting as both a strategic partner to leadership and a trusted advisor to employees. This role drives workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management while ensuring compliance and strengthening company culture.
Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with leaders on workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies
• Advise line managers on employee relations in line with South African labour legislation
• Handle disciplinary, grievance, and incapacity cases fairly and compliantly
• Implement performance appraisal systems and coach managers
• Drive employee engagement initiatives to improve morale and retention
• Ensure compliance with employment equity and statutory requirements
• Oversee HR operations including payroll inputs, leave management, and benefits administration
• Support learning and development initiatives and succession planning
• Provide strategic HR input to executive leadership

Essential Requirements:

• Relevant HR degree or diploma (Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, or related)
• Valid driver's license
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in an HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist role
• Only candidates from the Automotive industry or retail will be considered.
• Strong understanding of South African labour law and HR best practices
• Proven experience in employee relations, performance management, and talent development
• Experience supporting line managers and executives with strategic people planning
• Must be able to work in a corporate dealer group environment

Advantageous:

• Professional registration with SABPP or related body
• Automotive sector experience
• Exposure to payroll, compensation, and benefits frameworks