National People Operations Manager

Econo Foods; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG Retail company in Cape Town is seeking a National People Operations Manager to elevate their people operations management. The role focuses on driving recruitment, employee relations, and performance management while ensuring compliance with South African labor laws. The ideal candidate will foster a culture of engagement and development while managing a team across the nation. This position is essential for ensuring operational efficiency and supporting the organizational vision for continued growth.

Benefits

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in people operations leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of South African labor legislation.
• Experience in managing diverse teams and fostering a positive culture.

Responsibilities

• Drive People Ops strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead recruitment strategy and oversee workforce planning.
• Provide oversight on employee relations and performance management.

Skills

People Operations Leadership

Team Management

Recruitment and Workforce Planning

Employee Relations

Performance Management

Learning Development

Policy Compliance

Data Analytics

Cultural Engagement

Education

Degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

Econofoods is a fast-growing FMCG Retail company specializing in frozen foods.

Dedicated to delivering high-quality products at unbeatable prices, we prioritize customer satisfaction every single day.

Our commitment to excellence, simplicity and our vibrant colourful people working at Econofoods sets us apart in the industry.

Central to our identity is our unique HO HOLA Culture, characterized by appreciation and recognition.

We celebrate the contribution of every individual and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, collaborating with a diverse team, and embracing continuous learning and growth, Econofoods could be the perfect fit for you.

Join us in our mission to provide quality products, value, and service to our customers, every single day.

Purpose of the Role

The National People Operations Manager leads the delivery of all People Operations processes across the organisation. This role drives excellence in recruitment, learning development, employee relations, performance management, and HR governance across all business units. The role ensures consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency while enabling a high-performance, values-driven culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. 1. People Operations Leadership Drive the People Ops strategy in alignment with business priorities and culture initiatives.

   Lead the national People Ops team and ensure aligned execution of HR practices across all regions.

   Drive the People Ops strategy in alignment with business priorities and culture initiatives.

   Ensure Line Leaders receive accurate, timely People Ops support to enable operational success.

   Partner with business leaders to support growth, productivity, organisational effectiveness, and leadership capability.

   Drive People Ops alignment across Retail, Logistics, Production, B2B, and Central Office environments (where applicable).

2. 2. Team Management Lead, coach, and develop regional and site-based People Operations teams.

   Ensure clear role clarity, capacity planning, and performance management within the People Ops function.

   Build strong capability across the team in recruitment, IR, performance management, employee engagement and company culture.

   Foster collaboration, accountability, and a service-oriented People Ops culture.

3. 3. Recruitment, Workforce Planning Talent Management Oversee workforce planning process, aligned to business demand and budget.

   Oversee recruitment strategy, quality of hire, time-to-fill, and succession pipelines.

   Ensure consistent recruitment standards, tools, and assessment practices across the business.

   Partner with leadership on succession planning, leadership development, and critical role coverage.

4. 4. Employee Relations Labour Relations Provide oversight and escalation support on complex employee and labour relations matters.

   Ensure consistent and fair application of disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and performance management processes.

   Support organisational changes, restructures, and retrenchment consultations when required.

5. 5. Performance Management, Rewards Recognition Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of performance management frameworks.

   Drive pay equity, maintain role grading integrity, and reward governance.

   Support meaningful recognition practices that reinforce desired behaviours and culture.

6. 6. Learning Development, Capability Leadership Development Lead the implementation of national training programs, including leadership, compliance, and skills development.

   Support the School of Excellence and SETA learning initiatives.

   Monitor training effectiveness, workplace application, and make recommendations on ROI.

   Support the design and rollout of national learning and development initiatives.

   Ensure leadership development programs are aligned to organisational values and capability needs.

   Promote a continuous learning culture across all levels of the business.

7. 7. Policy, Governance Legislative Compliance Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, SDA, OHSA) and internal policies.

   Oversee the development, review, and consistent application of People Ops policies and procedures.

   Ensure strong People Ops governance, audits, and risk mitigation practices.

8. 8. People Data, Insights Reporting Own national People Operations metrics, reporting, and dashboards (e.g. turnover, vacancies, IR cases, training, engagement).

   Use people data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvements.

   Prepare people-related inputs for People Operations Executive.

   Drive continuous improvement through evidence-based People Ops practices.

9. 9. Culture, Engagement Change Management Champion organisational culture, values, and employee engagement nationally.

   Embed company values (e.g., HO HOLA culture) into People Ops practices.

   Lead initiatives that enhance engagement, retention, and employee experience.

KEY SUCCESS METRICS (KPI S) : Quality of hire, workforce stability, reduce turnover and capability growth.

Leadership Development and Learning and Development program execution.

Leadership satisfaction and effectiveness of People Ops partnering.

Employee engagement and culture indicators.

Compliance and governance outcomes.