HR Operations Manager – Durban

About the role

Our client in Ballito seeks a hands‑on HR Operations Manager to lead the South African HR function, overseeing the full employee lifecycle and ensuring alignment with both UK and South African employment standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the South African HR function, including HR Officer(s) and Recruitment Officer.
• Partner with the UK People and Talent team to align local HR practice with group policies and reporting.
• Develop, implement and maintain HR policies that comply with UK and South African legislation.
• Oversee onboarding, right‑to‑work checks, contracts and DBS applications.
• Handle employee relations, grievances and disciplinary processes.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and talent development.
• Administer benefits schemes (PerkBox, SimplyHealth, EV scheme) and manage employee devices.
• Provide HR reporting and drive continuous improvement of processes.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as an HR Manager in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment.
• Experience working with or for a UK holding company is highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of UK and South African employment legislation.
• Leadership, communication and confidentiality skills.

Required skills

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• HR information systems (HRIS)