Senior Manager – HR & Corporate Services

About the role

The Senior Manager, HR & Corporate Services will lead the delivery of HR administration, policy development, payroll and employee relations across the organisation. Reporting to senior leadership, this role ensures compliance, drives efficiency and supports strategic people initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day HR administration, policies and systems to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Develop, implement and maintain HR policies, procedures and governance frameworks aligned with labour legislation and company strategy.
• Monitor HR metrics (turnover, headcount, absenteeism) and produce regular management reports with actionable insights.
• Lead process improvement and digitisation initiatives to enhance HR efficiency and employee experience.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including Employment Equity and Skills Development.
• Provide expert guidance on labour law, disciplinary procedures, grievance handling and workplace conflict resolution.
• Chair or support investigations, hearings and consultations, ensuring fairness and procedural integrity.
• Maintain constructive relationships with unions and employee representatives, anticipating and mitigating disputes.
• Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and timely statutory deductions.
• Partner with Finance for benefits administration, reconciliations and payroll reporting.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior leadership on people‑related strategies and risks.
• Lead and develop the HR team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous learning.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion and employee well‑being initiatives.
• Develop and deliver HR dashboards and analytics to support evidence‑based decision‑making.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level HR experience, preferably within a large or complex organisation.
• Deep knowledge of South African labour legislation, employment equity and skills development requirements.
• Proven track record in HR policy development, payroll oversight and employee relations.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret HR metrics and translate findings into strategic actions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience working with unions and senior executives.
• Demonstrated leadership capability to build, mentor and inspire high‑performing HR teams.

Required skills