People Specialist – 6‑Month Contract (Cape Town)

About the role

The People Specialist will provide operational HR support across the employee lifecycle, ensuring seamless processes, accurate administration, and a consistently positive employee experience within a high‑performance technical environment.

Key responsibilities

• Recruitment support – manage job postings, screen candidates, schedule interviews, prepare assessments and assist with contract preparation.
• Onboarding & off‑boarding – coordinate monthly onboarding sessions, prepare new‑starter packs, ensure documentation is completed and support professional off‑boarding.
• HR administration – maintain accurate employee records in HR systems and assist with payroll and benefits data processing when required.
• Culture & engagement – support inclusion, collaboration and recognition initiatives, partner with the People Manager on goal‑setting, quarterly reviews and coaching.
• Compliance & policy – contribute to development, maintenance and communication of HR policies, SOPs and provide guidance and training to ensure organisational adherence.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with 2–4 years relevant experience.
• Proven full‑cycle recruitment capability.
• Experience with HR information systems; compensation and benefits knowledge is advantageous.
• Strong organisational, multitasking and detail‑oriented abilities, able to deliver under pressure.
• Excellent communication, initiative, teamwork and self‑management.
• Solid understanding of employment legislation and HR compliance.
• Experience in biotech, pharma or start‑up environments.

Required skills

• HR information systems (HRIS)
• Compensation and benefits administration (advantageous)