Junior People Partner

Irvine Partners; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Irvine Partners seeks a Junior People Partner for their Cape Town office. The role includes supporting HR operations, recruitment processes, and compliance with South African labour laws, providing an excellent opportunity for growth in a dynamic team focused on people-first strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in HR Management, Industrial Psychology, Labour Law.
• 1–3 years’ experience in HR administration and recruitment.
• Practical knowledge of South African labour law.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end recruitment process and onboarding.
• Maintain employee records and ensure compliance with HR laws.
• Assist with employee engagement initiatives.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Proficiency in Google Suite

Understanding of recruitment processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management

Tools

Bamboo HR

Job description

About Irvine Partners:

At Irvine Partners, we craft bespoke communications solutions for global industry leaders. We specialise in blending creative storytelling with strategic digital marketing to elevate brands and achieve impactful results. Our team includes strategic PR experts, award-winning journalists, seasoned copywriters, communication strategists, and digital innovators.

About the Role:

As the Junior People Partner at Irvine Partners’ South African office, you will work closely with the Chief People Officer to deliver strategic and operational HR initiatives. This role will provide critical support across recruitment, HR administration, employee engagement, and compliance, contributing to the company’s people-first strategy and helping to embed Irvine Partners' values into day-to-day practices. It is an ideal opportunity for a highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented HR professional who is eager to grow within a dynamic and creative environment.

You will play a hands-on role in supporting the implementation of our people strategy, helping to manage HR operations, and ensuring compliance with South African labour law.

Please note: The salary for this role is 18-22k total CTC monthly.

Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition:

• Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including job postings, screening, interview coordination, and reference checks.
• Work with the Chief People Officer to align hiring activities with the company’s long-term talent acquisition strategy.
• Assist in enhancing the onboarding experience, ensuring new hires are effectively integrated into the organisation.

HR Administration & Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and HR databases.
• Prepare HR documentation, including employment contracts, onboarding forms, and policy updates.
• Ensure HR practices are compliant with South African labour laws and internal policies.
• Assist with the preparation of reports and HR data analysis to support strategic decision-making.

Employee Engagement & Culture:

• Support the Chief People Officer in implementing engagement initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Assist with the administration of employee surveys and feedback mechanisms, and help translate insights into actionable initiatives.
• Help plan and coordinate internal initiatives that promote employee well-being, diversity, and work-life balance.

Performance & Development Support:

• Assist in the execution of performance management processes, helping to track key dates and facilitate feedback cycles.
• Provide administrative support for learning and development programmes and leadership development initiatives.

Labour Law & Risk Management:

• Monitor changes in employment legislation and ensure compliance.
• Provide first-line support for employee relations queries, escalating complex matters to the Chief People Officer as needed.
• Assist with conflict resolution processes in line with best practices and legal requirements.

Collaboration & Organisational Support:

• Liaise with finance team to ensure alignment on payroll, benefits, and HR systems.
• Participate in HR and organisational development projects led by the Chief People Officer.

Key Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labour Law, or a related field.

Experience:

• 1–3 years’ experience in HR administration, recruitment, or generalist HR support.
• Practical exposure to South African labour legislation (BCEA, LRA) and HR best practices is essential.

Skills:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Google Suite and HR information systems like Bamboo HR.
• Good understanding of recruitment processes and candidate management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative, approachable, and able to build relationships at all levels.
• Eager to learn and grow within the HR field.
• Adaptable and resilient, with a passion for delivering high-quality support.