HRBP (Human Resource Business Partner)

Permanent I Woodstock, Cape Town

Primary Responsibilities

People Strategy & Leadership

• Design, develop and implement people and culture strategies aligned with client’s global people framework and local South African business needs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Global Senior Leadership and Executive (ExCo) team, providing expert guidance on all South Africa people-related matters.
• Partner with the Chief People Officer and global P&C team to ensure alignment and consistency of people practices across regions.
• Translate business strategy into practical people initiatives that support growth, capability building and organisational effectiveness.
• Act as a visible, hands-on P&C leader within the Cape Town office, supporting leaders and employees through regular in-person engagement.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performance culture aligned to client’s mission, vision and values.
• Design and deliver employee engagement initiatives that enhance connection, wellbeing, retention and overall employee experience.
• Act as a cultural ambassador for client, role-modelling values and reinforcing expectations through day-to-day interactions.
• Support office-based cultural initiatives, events and forums that strengthen collaboration, communication and community.

Employee Relations

• Provide expert advice and hands-on support to managers and employees on employee relations matters, including performance management, investigations, disciplinary processes, grievances and conflict resolution.
• Ensure all employee relations matters are managed fairly, consistently and in compliance with South African labour legislation.
• Support leaders to proactively manage performance, conduct courageous conversations and address issues early.
• Manage multiple complex employee relations matters concurrently while balancing business risk and employee experience.

Talent Attraction, Development & Retention

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment for South African support roles, ensuring a positive, compliant and inclusive hiring experience. Liaise with local My client recruitment partnerships when necessary and with prior approval.
• Partner with leaders to identify workforce needs and implement effective attraction and retention strategies.
• Establish and maintain processes for onboarding, probation management, performance management and career development.
• Support succession planning and capability development across teams.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

• Support and implement Employment Equity (EE) obligations in line with South African legislation as the workforce grows.
• Act as a representative or advisor for EE-related initiatives and committees once applicable thresholds are reached.
• Promote fair, inclusive and equitable workplace practices where diversity is valued and respected.
• Partner with leaders to embed inclusive behaviors into everyday ways of working.

Compensation & Benefits

• Ensure compensation and benefits practices are competitive, compliant and aligned with client’s global principles.
• Conduct market benchmarking and provide recommendations to support attraction and retention.
• Partner with Finance, Payroll and external providers to support accurate payroll inputs and benefits administration.

Quality, Compliance & Risk

• Develop, implement and maintain South Africa-specific people policies and procedures in line with labour legislation and global standards.
• Stay current with changes in South African employment law and ensure timely updates, communication and education for leaders, P&C team and employees.
• Partner with Governance and global P&C teams to manage people-related risk, audits and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee records and documentation in line with legal and organizational requirements.

HR Metrics & Reporting

• Establish and track key people metrics for South Africa, providing insights on trends, risks and opportunities.
• Prepare regular reports for the Chief People Officer and leadership team on workforce data, engagement and people initiatives.
• Use data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement of people practices

Teamwork and Communication

• Build strong, collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders across South Africa and globally.
• Communicate clearly, consistently and professionally with employees at all levels.
• Be approachable, supportive and solutions-focused in all interactions.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of South African labour legislation and HR best practice.
• Proven ability to operate across strategic, tactical and operational levels.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confident decision-maker with sound judgement and risk awareness.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving and globally connected environment.
• Comfortable working hands-on and being highly visible in an office-based role.
• Strong Microsoft Suite skills, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint 

Experience

• Relevant qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology or a related field 
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in a HR Manager / People & Culture role, preferably within healthcare, professional services or a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading people strategies, employee relations and organizational change.
• Experience working within a global or multi-region organization 
• Knowledge of Employment Equity legislation and experience supporting EE initiatives