Head of People – South Africa

About the role

The Head of People will shape and execute the people strategy for a fast‑growing wealth‑management fintech in South Africa. Reporting to the senior leadership team, the role combines strategic leadership with operational ownership of the full employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with local labour law and financial‑services regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a People & Culture strategy that supports business objectives and rapid growth.
• Advise the Head of Commercial and senior leaders on organisational design, workforce planning, leadership capability and culture.
• Lead talent acquisition, employer branding and succession planning in a competitive fintech labour market.
• Develop and oversee performance management, remuneration, incentive and benefits programmes aligned to market benchmarks and regulatory requirements.
• Drive employee engagement, wellbeing and inclusion initiatives using data such as eNPS.
• Ensure full compliance with South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EE Act, Skills Development Act) and financial‑services regulatory obligations.
• Manage HR operations including payroll oversight, HR systems, policies and reporting, and champion digitalisation of HR processes.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing HR team.

Required profile

• Significant experience in senior HR leadership, preferably within fintech or financial services.
• Deep knowledge of South African labour legislation and related compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to design and execute people strategies that drive growth and cultural transformation.
• Experience in change management, digital transformation and scaling high‑growth organisations.
• Strong track record of building talent pipelines, leadership development programmes and performance management frameworks.

Required skills