Group HR Manager | Durban (Hammarsdale) | Permanent

Are you an experienced HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? This is an opportunity to shape people strategy, strengthen employee relations, and drive organisational performance across a growing business.

A leading manufacturing organisation is seeking a strategic and hands-on Group HR Manager to lead the full human resources function across the business. Reporting into executive leadership, this role is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that support business objectives while driving talent development, succession planning, employee relations, compliance, and organisational effectiveness.

The successful candidate will combine strategic HR leadership with operational excellence, partnering closely with management to build a high-performing workforce and ensure compliance with labour legislation and best practice. This role requires strong industrial relations expertise, a proactive leadership style, and the ability to influence positive organisational change within a unionised manufacturing environment.

Our client is a well-established manufacturing business with a strong commitment to operational excellence, employee development, and sustainable growth. The organisation values strong leadership, collaboration, and creating an engaging workplace that supports both business performance and employee wellbeing.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement the Group HR strategy aligned with business objectives • Lead recruitment, talent acquisition, succession planning, and employee retention initiatives • Manage learning, leadership development, skills development, and SETA compliance • Coordinate performance management processes and employee development plans • Drive Employment Equity, transformation, and B-BBEE initiatives • Develop, review, and implement HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworks • Ensure HR and payroll compliance with legislative and reporting requirements • Lead employee and labour relations, including union engagement and CCMA matters • Coordinate wellness programmes and occupational health initiatives • Manage HR budgets, reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives • Partner with executive leadership to build organisational capability and performance

What You Bring

• Relevant Degree or Diploma in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related field • 3–5 years' experience in an HR Management role • Proven HR leadership experience within a manufacturing environment • Strong Industrial Relations and CCMA representation experience • Extensive knowledge of South African labour legislation • Experience with Employment Equity, B-BBEE, performance management, and skills development • Strong policy development and HR governance capability • Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership skills • Advanced computer literacy • Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport

What Success Looks Like

• An engaged, high-performing workforce aligned to business objectives • Strong succession planning and leadership development pipelines • Effective employee relations with constructive union engagement • Full compliance with labour legislation and HR governance requirements • Successful Employment Equity and transformation outcomes • Improved organisational capability through effective performance management and talent development • Well-executed wellness initiatives that support employee wellbeing • Efficient HR systems, policies, and operational processes