HR Manager

Client My client is a well-established South African manufacturer with a strong heritage and reputation for delivering high-quality products nationwide. Operating from its headquarters in Bryanston, Johannesburg, the company combines trusted production practices with a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. With a collaborative and performance-driven culture, the organisation is focused on developing its people while supporting continued business growth. As part of this commitment, an experienced HR Manager is sought to lead and enhance the company's people’s strategy. JOB PURPOSE Leads and owns the full HR function at [Confidential], building a structured, compliant, and people-centred HR department in a fast-paced FMCG and manufacturing environment. Responsible for labour relations, health and safety, statutory compliance, and the full employee lifecycle across 500+ employees including blue-collar production and distribution staff. Partners with operations, logistics, and senior leadership to drive workforce planning, employee engagement, and organisational development. This is a greenfield leadership role requiring an experienced HR professional who can build systems, processes, and capability from the ground up.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Labour Relations & CCMA — Represent the company at CCMA conciliation and arbitration proceedings. Chair disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, and appeals. Develop fair, consistent disciplinary practices and reduce CCMA exposure through proactive case management and line manager coaching.
2. Disciplinary Framework & Policy — Develop and maintain a comprehensive disciplinary code and grievance procedure aligned with South African labour law. Ensure all managers are trained on procedural and substantive fairness. Manage relationships with relevant bargaining councils.
3. Health & Safety — Take full ownership of the Occupational Health and Safety framework. Chair the H&S Committee, conduct safety audits and risk assessments. Manage all IOD claims, return-to-work programmes under applicable legislation, and drive a culture of safety across production, logistics, and warehouse environments.
4. Statutory Compliance — Manage Employment Equity planning, reporting, and committee facilitation. Oversee Skills Development submissions (WSP/ATR), SETA engagement, learnerships. Ensure BBBEE HR pillar compliance and maintain data protection compliance for all employee personal information.
5. Recruitment & Onboarding — Manage end-to-end recruitment for all levels, from blue-collar production staff to management positions. Ensure structured onboarding processes that reduce time-to-productivity and improve retention in the first 12 months.
6. Performance Management — Design and implement a performance management framework across the organisation. Ensure regular performance reviews, development planning, and management of underperformance through fair and documented processes.
7. Employee Engagement & Culture — Drive employee engagement initiatives across blue-collar and white-collar staff. Build programmes that support retention, recognition, and a positive working environment in a manufacturing setting.
8. HR Policy & Procedures — Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and standard operating documents. Ensure all policies are legally compliant, practically workable, and communicated effectively across the business.
9. Workforce Planning & HR Analytics — Partner with operations, logistics, and sales managers on workforce planning. Produce accurate HR reports covering headcount trends, turnover rates, absenteeism metrics, and labour cost analysis.
10. Team Leadership — Manage and develop the HR Administrator. Build the HR team’s capability over time while transitioning functions currently handled by external service providers in-house.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Education

• Degree in HR Management or related field (NQF Level 7 minimum).
• Professional registration preferred (e.g., SABPP).
• Postgraduate qualification or short course in Labour Law advantageous.
• Certification in Health & Safety (e.g., SAMTRAC or NEBOSH) advantageous.

Experience

• 8–10+ years in HR roles; minimum of 5 years in FMCG/manufacturing/distribution environments.
• Proven experience managing HR for large workforces (300+ employees including blue-collar staff).
• Must have personally represented employers at CCMA proceedings (conciliation/arbitration).
• Experience managing Health & Safety frameworks from day one.
• Familiarity with HR systems/payroll platforms/biometric attendance tools preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

Technical Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of South African labour laws (LRA/BCEA/EEA/SDA/OHS Act).
• Expertise in CCMA representation/case management processes.
• Strong understanding of Employment Equity/BEE compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in skills development submissions (WSP/ATR) and SETA engagement.
• Ability to design performance management frameworks.
• Competence in workforce analytics/reporting tools.
• Familiarity with POPIA compliance/data protection protocols.

Behavioural / Leadership Skills:

• Strong leadership presence across all organisational levels.
• Firm yet fair decision-making approach.
• Resilience in high-pressure environments.
• Collaborative stakeholder management skills.
• Clear communication abilities (written/verbal).
• Results-driven mindset with strong follow-through.
• Coaching/mentoring capabilities for team development.
• Adaptability to hands-on operational challenges.