Operational HR Manger

Oxyon People Solutions; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxyon People Solutions is assisting a well-established beverage manufacturer seeking an experienced Operational HR Manager to own the full HR function at the Heidelberg plant. The role requires hands-on leadership in a unionised manufacturing environment, covering employee relations, labour relations, HR compliance, workforce planning and development.

You will lead disciplinary and grievance processes, coordinate wage discussions, and ensure auditable HRIS records while driving engagement and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in HR, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations or related field.
• 5–8 years' generalist HR experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience within a unionised manufacturing/FMCG environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production operations.
• Proven experience managing disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Strong experience in union engagement and labour relations.
• Experience with workforce planning and Section 189/189A processes.
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical ability.
• Power BI experience is advantageous.
• HRIS experience; Psiber experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers on HR and employee-related matters.
• Manage employee performance, conduct, absenteeism, and general HR queries.
• Lead workforce planning and manage workforce reduction processes where required.
• Manage the day-to-day relationship with GIWUSA and coordinate monthly management–union meetings.
• Coordinate disciplinary and grievance hearings, ensuring fairness.
• Advise line managers on labour relations processes and appropriate procedures.
• Manage Employment Equity, Workplace Skills Plan and B-BBEE requirements and reporting.
• Develop and implement site-specific HR practices and policies where required.
• Prepare and report monthly and quarterly HR and people metrics.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding for the site.
• Support talent management and employee development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready HRIS records.
• Drive employee engagement and employee-focused initiatives on-site.

Skills

Labor relations

Workforce planning

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Education

HR/Industrial Psychology/Labour Relations degree or diploma

Tools

Psiber

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

A well-established beverage manufacturing company is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Operational HR Manager to take ownership of the full generalist HR function at its Heidelberg plant.

This is a key operational HR role for someone who is confident working in a unionised manufacturing environment and can provide practical support across employee relations, labour relations, HR compliance, workforce planning, recruitment, and employee development.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers on all HR and employee-related matters.

• Manage employee performance, conduct, absenteeism, and general HR queries.

• Lead workforce planning and manage workforce reduction processes where required.

• Manage the day-to-day relationship with GIWUSA and coordinate monthly management–union meetings.

• Coordinate disciplinary and grievance hearings, ensuring substantive and procedural fairness.

• Advise line managers on labour relations processes and appropriate procedures.

• Manage Employment Equity, Workplace Skills Plan and B-BBEE requirements and reporting.

• Develop and implement site-specific HR practices and policies where required.

• Prepare and report monthly and quarterly HR and people metrics.

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding for the site.

• Support talent management and employee development initiatives.

• Maintain accurate and audit-ready HRIS records.

• Drive employee engagement and employee-focused initiatives on-site.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations, or a related field.

• 5–8 years' generalist HR experience.

• Minimum 3 years' experience within a unionised manufacturing/FMCG environment.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production operations.

• Proven experience managing disciplinary and grievance processes.

• Strong experience in union engagement and labour relations.

• Experience with workforce planning and Section 189/189A processes.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical ability – essential.

• Power BI experience will be highly advantageous.

• Working knowledge of the LRA, BCEA, EEA, Skills Development Act and B-BBEE Codes.

• HRIS experience; Psiber experience will be advantageous.

• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.