Senior HR Specialist - Compensation & Benefits (Remote)

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonus

Professional development

Virtual collaboration culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior HR Specialist focusing on Compensation and Benefits to join our remote-first team in South Africa. You will design and manage compensation and benefits programs, benchmark against markets, oversee salary reviews and bonus processes, and ensure compliance with SA labor laws.

You will partner with HR leadership and finance on budgeting, vendor management, and communicating total rewards value to employees, driving strategic C&B initiatives in a growing

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in HR/Finance/Economics or related field.
• Master's degree or CCP certification in Compensation preferred.
• Minimum 6 years in Compensation & Benefits with analytical focus.
• Know-how of compensation philosophies, benchmarking, job evaluation, and incentives.
• Proficient in HRIS and advanced Excel for data analysis.
• Solid knowledge of SA labor laws affecting C&B.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Remote work experience and handling confidential information.
• Experience with benefits administration and payroll systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage compensation and benefits programs and salary structures.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to align with industry standards.
• Analyze data and recommend adjustments for equity and competitiveness.
• Lead annual salary reviews and bonus processes.
• Oversee benefits administration (health, retirement, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with BCEA and EEA and related laws.
• Develop communications on value of C&B programs for employees.
• Collaborate with finance on budgeting and forecasting for C&B initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and providers.
• Stay current with trends in compensation and benefits.
• Provide expert advice to HR partners and management.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic mindset

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Economics or related

Master's degree or CCP certification in Compensation

Tools

HRIS systems

Advanced Excel

Payroll systems (benefits)

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking an experienced Senior HR Specialist focusing on Compensation and Benefits to join their fully remote team. This is a crucial role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programs that attract, retain, and motivate talent across the organization. Operating in a remote-first environment, you will collaborate closely with HR leadership and business stakeholders to ensure our compensation strategies align with market trends and company objectives. As a Senior HR Specialist, you will leverage your expertise to provide strategic guidance, analyze market data, and drive innovation in our total rewards approach. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking company, working from anywhere in South Africa. We are looking for an analytical and strategic individual with a deep understanding of C&B principles and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and administer comprehensive compensation and benefits programs, including salary structures, incentive plans, and health and wellness benefits.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to ensure our total rewards packages are competitive and aligned with industry standards.
• Analyze compensation data, identify trends, and provide recommendations for adjustments to maintain market competitiveness and internal equity.
• Manage the annual salary review and bonus process, ensuring timely and accurate execution.
• Oversee the administration of all employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other voluntary benefits.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation related to compensation and benefits (e.g., BCEA, EEA).
• Develop communication materials to effectively convey the value of our compensation and benefits programs to employees.
• Partner with finance and HR leadership on budgeting and financial forecasting for C&B initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and benefit providers.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in compensation and benefits.
• Provide expert advice and support to HR business partners and management on C&B matters.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or specialized certification in Compensation (e.g., CCP) is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Compensation and Benefits, with a strong focus on analytical and strategic aspects.
• In-depth knowledge of compensation philosophies, salary benchmarking, job evaluation methodologies, and incentive plan design.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and advanced Excel skills for data analysis and modeling.
• Strong understanding of South African labor laws and regulations affecting compensation and benefits.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and work effectively in a remote team environment.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.
• Experience with benefits administration platforms and payroll systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the senior nature of the role.
• Fully remote working arrangement, providing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to shape and influence total rewards strategies for a growing company.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Access to continuous professional development and industry conferences.
• A collaborative and innovative virtual work culture.