We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function within a prestigious hospitality and wine estate. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic HR professional who is equally comfortable managing operational HR, payroll, employee relations, compliance, recruitment, and organizational development in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor to management while fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring full compliance with South African labour legislation.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll & HR Administration
- Manage weekly wages and monthly payroll accurately and timeously.
- Reconcile payroll information with biometric time and attendance systems.
- Process leave administration and maintain accurate employee records.
- Prepare and submit EMP201, bi-annual and annual EMP501 returns.
- Issue IRP5 certificates and ensure statutory payroll compliance.
- Maintain employee files, payroll records and HR documentation.
- Distribute payslips and monthly leave reports to department managers.
- Participate in internal and external audits.
Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
- Manage the full recruitment process from advertising to onboarding.
- Draft compelling job advertisements and coordinate interviews.
- Conduct reference and background checks.
- Facilitate new employee orientation and onboarding.
- Ensure all positions have accurate and up-to-date job descriptions.
Employee Relations & Labour Law
- Draft employment contracts in accordance with South African labour legislation.
- Manage disciplinary processes, grievances, poor performance and incapacity matters.
- Issue warnings and support managers with employee relations matters.
- Represent the company at CCMA conciliations and arbitrations.
- Provide guidance to management on labour legislation, company policies and HR best practices.
- Ensure compliance with Employment Equity, Skills Development, UIF, COIDA/WCA, Department of Labour requirements and other statutory obligations.
Performance & Organisational Development
- Develop and manage the company's performance management framework.
- Facilitate performance reviews and employee development discussions.
- Conduct job evaluations and maintain equitable grading structures.
- Review salaries and implement remuneration adjustments.
- Coordinate training initiatives to enhance employee capability and performance.
- Analyse salary benchmarking data and provide remuneration recommendations.
HR Strategy & Employee Engagement
- Drive employee engagement initiatives and promote a positive workplace culture.
- Conduct employee surveys, focus groups and engagement programmes.
- Manage exit interview processes and identify trends for improvement.
- Partner with department heads to support operational and strategic business objectives.
- Deliver HR training and legislative updates across the business.
Policy Development & Business Partnership
- Develop, review and implement HR policies and procedures.
- Recommend best-practice HR initiatives and continuous improvement strategies.
- Provide strategic HR support to Heads of Department.
- Contribute to organisational growth through effective workforce planning and change management.
- Lead HR projects that enhance employee experience, operational excellence and business performance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years' HR Management experience, preferably within the hospitality, luxury hotel, wine estate or tourism sector.
- Extensive knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
- Proven experience managing payroll and statutory submissions.
- Strong Industrial Relations experience, including disciplinary hearings, incapacity processes, retrenchments and CCMA representation.
- Experience with HRIS, payroll and time & attendance systems.
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management abilities.
- High level of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transport.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
- A confident HR leader with a proactive, solutions-driven approach.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Comfortable operating in both strategic and operational HR environments.
- Passionate about developing people and building high-performing teams.
- Able to thrive in a dynamic hospitality environment where no two days are the same.