HR Manager – Lead People Strategy in FMCG Manufacturing

About the role

The company is seeking an experienced HR Manager to build and lead a compliant, people‑centred HR function for a fast‑moving FMCG and manufacturing business with over 500 employees. This greenfield role will shape HR strategy, systems and capability from the ground up.

Key responsibilities

• Represent the organisation at CCMA conciliation and arbitration, chair disciplinary hearings and develop fair disciplinary practices.
• Design, maintain and train managers on a comprehensive disciplinary code and grievance procedure aligned with South African labour law.
• Own the Occupational Health & Safety framework, chair the H&S Committee, conduct audits, manage IOD claims and drive a safety culture across production, logistics and warehouse sites.
• Oversee statutory compliance including Employment Equity planning, Skills Development submissions, BBBEE HR pillar reporting and data protection for employee information.
• Manage end‑to‑end recruitment and onboarding for blue‑collar and management roles, reducing time‑to‑productivity and improving first‑year retention.
• Develop and implement a performance management system, ensuring regular reviews, development plans and fair handling of under‑performance.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives to strengthen culture and align people strategy with business growth.

Required profile

• Proven HR leadership experience in a large, unionised manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Deep knowledge of South African labour legislation, CCMA processes and occupational health & safety regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to build HR structures, policies and processes from scratch.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with senior leadership, operations and logistics teams.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a strategic HR function in a reputable, growth‑focused company.
• Collaborative, performance‑driven culture with focus on people development.