South Africa HR Lead

Robert Walters; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned global pharmaceutical organisation is looking for a South Africa HR Lead to oversee HR functions in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves shaping people strategies, leading a dedicated team, and collaborating with executives. Ideal candidates possess extensive HR experience, strategic planning skills, and a commitment to creating inclusive workplaces. The position also offers flexible working opportunities and a chance to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Focus on personal growth

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of HR experience, ideally including HR Business Partner experience.
• Proven expertise in end-to-end HR processes, including senior-level talent management.
• Deep knowledge of SA statutory compliance and BBBEE initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Shape the people agenda for a dynamic operation and collaborate with senior leadership.
• Design impactful learning programmes that align with business needs.
• Guide the HR team in addressing employee concerns and promoting positive employee relations.

Skills

Progressive HR roles

Strategic planning

Empathetic communication

Benchmarking and compliance auditing

Learning opportunities and development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Graduate or postgraduate degree in Human Resources

Job description

Job title : South Africa HR Lead

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg Deadline : October 11, 2025

Overview

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Human Resources professional to take on a pivotal leadership role overseeing the HR function for South African operations at a renowned global pharmaceutical organisation.

This position offers you the chance to shape and influence people strategies, drive talent development, and ensure best-in-class HR processes across a diverse and growing business. You will be empowered to manage a dedicated team of HR professionals, collaborate closely with senior executives, and play a key part in strategic decision-making. The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where your expertise in employee relations, compliance, and learning initiatives will be highly valued. With flexible working opportunities and a strong focus on personal growth, this is the ideal role for someone looking to make a significant impact within a respected industry leader.

Take ownership of the full HR function for South African operations, leading a skilled team and partnering directly with executive management to deliver impactful people solutions. Enjoy the autonomy to design and implement innovative talent management, performance appraisal, and learning programmes that support both individual and organisational growth. Benefit from a collaborative culture that values knowledge sharing, professional development, and flexible working arrangements tailored to help you thrive.

Responsibilities

• As the South Africa Human Resources Lead, you will shape the people agenda for a dynamic operation and collaborate with senior leadership to develop robust talent pipelines through leadership development initiatives.
• Champion high standards in performance management by implementing digital tools for appraisals and ensuring fair compensation practices.
• Nurture positive employee relations and guide your team through complex workplace issues.
• Design impactful learning programmes that align with business needs while ensuring compliance with statutory regulations.
• Manage payroll processes efficiently and lead BBBEE-related activities to support operational excellence and social responsibility goals.
• Oversee all HR processes and systems for South African operations, aligning with organisational objectives and regulatory requirements while supporting the Country Head in strategic initiatives.
• Lead talent management activities at senior levels by developing leadership programmes, defining development plans, executing talent council strategies, and collaborating with Centres of Excellence.
• Drive effective performance management through online systems, audit goal-setting quality, manage field force appraisals, and ensure timely closure of ratings.
• Partner with business leaders to facilitate salary reviews, optimise budget utilisation for compensation cycles, and oversee bonus pay-outs within established guidelines.
• Provide guidance on rewards frameworks and conduct market benchmarking to maintain competitive compensation structures.
• Participate as a member of the Executive Committee (Exco), managing relationships with BU Heads, COEs, HR Leadership Teams, external vendors and consultants.
• Guide the HR team in addressing employee concerns, grievances, and disciplinary matters across plant and commercial office environments while promoting positive employee relations.
• Design and deliver learning interventions with business leaders and Centres of Excellence to foster continuous professional development.
• Manage payroll administration, drive cost-related projects, and maintain budgeting requirements including BBBEE budgets oversight.
• Conduct regular audits to assess statutory compliance; review employment law obligations; support BBBEE initiatives including Youth Employment Schemes.

What you bring

• Extensive experience in progressive HR roles, ideally spanning operational delivery and strategic planning.
• Educational background with theoretical and practical HR knowledge across diverse scenarios.
• Ability to build trust-based relationships at all levels with empathetic communication and a collaborative approach; strong analytical skills for benchmarking and compliance auditing.
• Natural mentor with focus on learning opportunities and development of others.
• Commitment to fairness, payroll accuracy, and regulatory adherence; passion for creating inclusive workplaces.
• Graduate or postgraduate degree in Human Resources or related discipline is preferred.
• At least 15 years of HR experience, ideally including HR Business Partner experience in large/complex organisations.
• Proven expertise in end-to-end HR processes, including senior-level talent management and leadership development.
• Experience implementing performance management systems, using digital platforms, and auditing goal-setting.
• Knowledge of compensation frameworks, market benchmarking, and managing bonus cycles within budgets.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, comfortable with executive committees, internal units, and external partners.
• Experience guiding teams through sensitive employee relations matters while maintaining a supportive environment.
• Ability to design learning interventions aligned with strategy and worked with Centres of Excellence.
• Solid background in payroll administration and cost-optimization projects with budgeting oversight.
• Deep knowledge of SA statutory compliance and BBBEE initiatives, including youth employment schemes.