Durban: Human Resources Business Partner (Temp)

This role presents an exciting opportunity for a hands-on HR professional to partner closely with management, deliver effective people solutions, and support business performance across key departments. Job Responsibilities: Provide expert guidance to line managers on all employee relations matters, including misconduct, performance management, incapacity, disciplinary enquiries, grievances, and CCMA-related cases, ensuring compliance with labour legislation and internal policies. Draft, review, and manage disciplinary documentation such as letters of concern, warnings, charges, and outcomes, and advise managers on fair and consistent application of disciplinary and grievance procedures. Facilitate mediation for sensitive workplace matters and represent the organisation at the CCMA where required, preparing case bundles and coordinating witnesses. Monitor employee trends such as absenteeism, lateness, and prior disciplinary history, providing management with actionable recommendations to address issues effectively. Support talent management and succession planning initiatives, including conducting exit interviews, coordinating workplace experience opportunities, supporting recruitment events, and developing internal talent pipelines. Drive performance and career management processes by coaching managers, facilitating performance and development discussions, supporting improvement plans, and aligning employee goals with business objectives. Contribute to organisational effectiveness and employee wellbeing by supporting culture, engagement, and communication initiatives, analysing survey results, coordinating wellness programs, and providing access to EAP and trauma support. Assist employees with benefits-related queries, including medical aid, retirement fund, leave, and payroll, and guide managers through disability management and injury-on-duty processes in line with legislation and policy. Partner with Learning and Development to identify and deliver appropriate training interventions, ensuring alignment with business priorities, employment equity, and succession planning goals. Analyse HR metrics and trends such as turnover, engagement, and exit data, preparing monthly reports and providing insights to HR leadership and business stakeholders for informed decision-making. Maintain HR governance and administration by ensuring accurate employee records and systems, supporting payroll administration, coordinating HR activities and events, contributing to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives, and reviewing HR policies to ensure relevance and compliance. Uphold strict confidentiality and ethical standards in all HR activities and interactions. Education & Experience Requirements: Bachelors Degree or National Diploma in Human Resource Management required; a postgraduate qualification in HR, Labour Relations, or Business Management is advantageous. Professional registration or progress toward registration with SABPP, IPM, or similar is a plus. 4-6 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2-3 years in a generalist or HR Business Partner role. Demonstrated experience in employee relations, including disciplinary processes, grievances, incapacity management, and CCMA representation or preparation. Proven track record of partnering with senior and line management to deliver people solutions aligned with business objectives. Experience analysing HR metrics and people data to inform decision-making and interventions. Exposure to organisational development, culture, and engagement initiatives. Strong business acumen, strategic and operational thinking, ethical judgement, sound understanding of HR practices and labour legislation, and excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.