About the Role

A well-established beverage manufacturing company is seeking an experienced and hands-on Operational HR Manager to take ownership of the full generalist HR function at its Heidelberg plant.

This is a key operational HR role for someone who is confident working in a unionised manufacturing environment and can provide practical support across employee relations, labour relations, HR compliance, workforce planning, recruitment, and employee development.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers on all HR and employee-related matters.

• Manage employee performance, conduct, absenteeism, and general HR queries.

• Lead workforce planning and manage workforce reduction processes where required.

• Manage the day-to-day relationship with GIWUSA and coordinate monthly management–union meetings.

• Coordinate disciplinary and grievance hearings, ensuring substantive and procedural fairness.

• Advise line managers on labour relations processes and appropriate procedures.

• Manage Employment Equity, Workplace Skills Plan and B-BBEE requirements and reporting.

• Develop and implement site-specific HR practices and policies where required.

• Prepare and report monthly and quarterly HR and people metrics.

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding for the site.

• Support talent management and employee development initiatives.

• Maintain accurate and audit-ready HRIS records.

• Drive employee engagement and employee-focused initiatives on-site.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations, or a related field.

• 5–8 years' generalist HR experience.

• Minimum 3 years' experience within a unionised manufacturing/FMCG environment.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production operations.

• Proven experience managing disciplinary and grievance processes.

• Strong experience in union engagement and labour relations.

• Experience with workforce planning and Section 189/189A processes.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical ability – essential.

• Power BI experience will be highly advantageous.

• Working knowledge of the LRA, BCEA, EEA, Skills Development Act and B-BBEE Codes.

• HRIS experience; Psiber experience will be advantageous.

• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.