Human Resources Manager – Retail (Cape Town)

About the role

We are recruiting an experienced Human Resources Manager for an internationally recognised premium retail brand based in Cape Town. The role supports both the retail operation and corporate teams, giving the holder genuine ownership of the HR function across the business.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with senior leadership on workforce planning, headcount, organisational structure, succession and broader people strategy.
• Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment, talent pipelines and relationships with external recruitment partners.
• Provide employee‑relations advice on performance, disciplinary processes, grievances, investigations and other workplace issues, ensuring compliance with South African legislation.
• Manage performance‑management cycles, salary reviews, incentive programmes, development planning and succession initiatives.
• Run the monthly payroll process, collaborating with Finance on reconciliations, reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Support compensation and benefits administration, including salary benchmarking, medical aid and provident fund arrangements.
• Ensure HR practices comply with Employment Equity, BBBEE, UIF, EMP201, IRP5, workmen’s compensation and other statutory requirements.
• Maintain HRIS data quality, drive system improvements and participate in regional and international HR projects.

Required profile

• Approximately 7+ years of progressive, generalist HR experience covering the full employee lifecycle.
• Hands‑on payroll experience, preferably within a retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of South African employment legislation and statutory HR requirements.
• Proven ability to partner with senior managers and handle employee‑relations matters.
• Experience in recruitment, talent management, compensation, benefits and performance processes.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills, with a professional, discreet approach to confidential matters.
• Relevant bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration or a related discipline.

Required skills

• Workday HRIS
• Sage/VIP People 300 (or comparable HRIS/payroll platform)
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• General HRIS and payroll system expertise