Human Resource Business Partner

About the role

The University of Cape Town is looking for an experienced, solutions-oriented Human Resource Business Partner to join its HR Client Services team. The HR Business Partner delivers a comprehensive, proactive and integrated HR partnering service to line management and employees in a complex higher education environment, working closely with university leadership to give trusted HR advice and support. The post is permanent, payclass 10, based in Cape Town.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with university leadership to turn organisational priorities into effective people strategies and solutions.
• Provide strategic HR partnering, change management and operational expertise to the Faculty/PASS department.
• Act as a trusted HR advisor to line managers and leaders on complex people matters.
• Advise and coach across the employee lifecycle: recruitment, performance management, job evaluation, remuneration and benefits, induction, development, training, staff wellness, organisational design and academic probation.
• Support employee relations matters such as disciplinary and grievance processes, incapacity, restructuring, conciliation, mediation and arbitration.
• Support organisational change initiatives and improve people practices and organisational effectiveness.
• Build relationships with line managers, staff, HR colleagues, unions and other stakeholders.
• Guide the interpretation and implementation of HR strategy, policies and procedures in line with legislation and university requirements.
• Use HR data and analytics to inform decisions and lead HR projects and initiatives.

Required profile

• NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology or a related field.
• At least five years of generalist HR experience, with significant experience in an HR Business Partnering environment.
• Demonstrable end-to-end HR Business Partnering support to all stakeholders.
• Current, in-depth knowledge of HR legislation, employment law, employee relations, workers' compensation and union relations.
• Experience in professional development and training.
• Advantageous: higher education experience, SAP HR, SABPP registration, organisational development or change, and unionised employee relations experience.

Required skills

• Advisory, influencing, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite.

Annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R661,967 and R778,783. Applicants must attach a motivational letter and details of three referees; shortlisted candidates may be asked for competency and medical assessments. Applications close on 2 November 2026.