Position Overview

The HR Practitioner is responsible for overseeing the full range of HR functions at the client site, with a focus on ensuring the smooth delivery of HR services, compliance with labour legislation, and effective workforce management. This senior role provides hands-on HR support, strategic guidance to management, and leadership to a team of HR Administrators. The HR Practitioner ensures operational excellence across HR processes, while acting as the key point of contact for escalated HR matters.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor a team of HR Administrators, ensuring high performance and adherence to deadlines
• Oversee daily HR administration tasks and provide guidance on complex matters
• Monitor workload distribution and support team development through coaching and training

HR Operations Oversight

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment support, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding
• Ensure consistency and compliance across HR processes and documentation
• Review and approve HR transactions processed by Administrators
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency

Compliance & Employment Relations

• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, company policies, and client-specific requirements
• Handle complex employee relations matters, including counselling.
• Act as the liaison between client management and HR regarding compliance issues
• Assist with audits, including preparation of required documentation

HR Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare and analyse HR reports for management
• Monitor HR metrics and recommend corrective actions as needed
• Oversee data integrity in HRIS systems and employee files

Recruitment & Onboarding Support

• Collaborate with client and recruitment teams on sourcing and selection
• Oversee onboarding processes, ensuring smooth integration of new employees
• Review employment contracts and ensure legal and procedural compliance

Training & Development Coordination

• Identify training needs and coordinate learning initiatives
• Monitor training completion and ensure records are up to date
• Support employee development plans in alignment with business objectives

Offboarding & Exit Processes

• Oversee termination processes, ensuring compliance with policies and legal requirements
• Conduct or review exit interviews to gather insights on staff turnover
• Ensure proper completion of final payments, documentation, and exit procedures

Employment Equity (EE)

• Prepare accurate EE data for submissions in line with legislative deadlines
• Compile and review EE Reports in collaboration with the client
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Employment Equity Act
• Coordinate submission of EE Reports (EEA2, EEA4)
• Maintain up-to-date records of employment equity targets, and related documentation
• Support internal EE committee by providing necessary information and documentation
• Monitor progress against EE goals and provide reports to management and relevant stakeholders

Skills Development

• Prepare accurate Skills Development data for submissions in line with legislative deadlines
• Compile and review Skills Development Plans in collaboration with the client
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including Skills Development Act
• Coordinate submission of Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR)
• Maintain up-to-date records of training interventions and related documentation
• Support internal Skills Committees by providing necessary information and documentation
• Monitor progress against WSP and provide reports to management and relevant stakeholders

FTE Management

• Monitor, manage, and report on FTE allocations across all sites
• Ensure accurate tracking of headcount, vacancies, and FTE utilisation
• Collaborate with client management to align staffing levels with business fluctuations
• Provide oversight on workforce planning
• Review and validate FTE data submitted by payroll
• Prepare consolidated FTE reports for internal management and client reviews
• Support operations in managing temporary and fixed-term workforce components
• Ensure FTE adjustments are reflected accurately in HRIS systems

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or related field
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive HR experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience
• Experience in an HR consulting or client-facing environment preferred
• Familiarity with South African labour legislation and HR best practices

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in HRIS systems with ability to guide others
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, especially Excel
• Strong knowledge of HR reporting, analytics, and compliance requirements
• Competence in document management, records retention, and data accuracy
• Familiarity with workflow tools and digital collaboration platforms

Core Competencies

• Leadership and coaching skills with the ability to manage and develop teams
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data management and documentation
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Client service orientation with ability to build strong relationships at all levels
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments

Working Conditions

Full-time position, with flexibility for occasional extended hours during peak periods. Onsite presence at client location; occasional travel may be required for audits, meetings, or training.

Performance Metrics

Accuracy and timeliness of HR service delivery, compliance with labour laws and client specific requirements, team performance and efficiency of HR Administrators, quality and accuracy of HR reporting and analytics, stakeholder satisfaction with HR support and service levels.