People & Culture Business Partner

About the role

The People & Culture Business Partner will support SMEC’s South African operations by delivering HR best practices aligned with business strategy. Reporting to the Divisional People & Culture lead, the role combines hands‑on HR generalist duties with strategic partnership to drive talent acquisition, employee relations and organisational development.

Key responsibilities

• Interpret and apply the SMEC HR strategy within the region, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
• Lead end‑to‑end talent acquisition, collaborating with hiring managers and the HR Shared Services team.
• Provide counsel on employee relations, handling complex disciplinary and grievance matters in line with local employment law.
• Oversee onboarding, annual performance reviews, compensation programmes and payroll coordination.
• Drive employee engagement and wellness initiatives, and contribute to resource planning and staff utilisation.
• Maintain HR administration such as org charts, staff records and leave management, and support employment equity reporting.
• Monitor service level agreements and promote the use of HR Shared Services across the region.

Required profile

• HR degree or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a regional or multi‑site environment.
• Strong understanding of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.

Required skills

• Advanced MS Office proficiency.
• Project management expertise.