Johannesburg: Human Resources Manager

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng Company: Joint Venture Company / COSCO Shipping Africa Related Entity Employment Type: Permanent (Subject to Probation Period) Position Summary An established joint venture company associated with the shipping and logistics sector is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to join its Johannesburg-based operation. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the full HR function, ensuring effective HR operations, employee relations, talent management, labour law compliance, and HR support to both local and international management teams. This role requires a hands-on HR professional with strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and proven experience within the shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, maritime, supply chain, or related industries. The ideal candidate will be capable of operating independently while effectively supporting a multicultural business environment. Key Responsibilities HR Operations & Administration • Manage the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employment contracts, probation management, employee transfers, promotions, and terminations. • Maintain accurate employee records, HR documentation, personnel files, and confidential HR information. • Ensure HR processes and administration are effectively managed and aligned with company policies. • Provide day-to-day HR support and guidance to employees and management. Recruitment & Talent Management • Support workforce planning initiatives and recruitment activities. • Coordinate candidate sourcing, screening, interviews, offer management, onboarding, and induction processes. • Facilitate probation reviews and assist management with talent retention strategies. • Support the development of a stable and high-performing local workforce. Labour Relations & Compliance • Ensure compliance with all applicable South African labour legislation, including: o Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) o Labour Relations Act (LRA) o Employment Equity Act (EEA) o Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) o Other relevant employment legislation and regulations • Manage disciplinary processes, grievances, poor performance cases, warnings, hearings, and employee disputes. • Advise management on labour relations matters and compliance requirements. • Assist with dispute resolution and interactions with external labour bodies where required. Payroll & Benefits Administration • Coordinate payroll inputs, including leave records, overtime, allowances, employee benefits, and personnel changes. • Liaise with payroll providers and finance teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. • Monitor leave balances and ensure appropriate approval processes are followed. • Support employee benefit administration and related HR reporting. HR Policies & Procedures • Develop, review, and implement HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, and workplace guidelines. • Ensure HR policies remain compliant with legislation and business requirements. • Promote employee understanding and consistent application of company policies and procedures. Performance Management • Coordinate performance review processes, KPI assessments, and probation evaluations. • Support employee development initiatives and performance improvement plans. • Assist managers with performance-related interventions and employee development strategies. Employee Relations & Communication • Act as a trusted HR partner and communication link between management and employees. • Foster positive employee relations and maintain a professional working environment. • Support effective collaboration between local employees and international management teams. • Contribute to employee engagement and workplace culture initiatives. Minimum Requirements Qualifications • Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field. Experience • Minimum of 5 years’ HR Generalist experience. • At least 2 years’ experience in an HR Manager, Senior HR Officer, HR Business Partner, or similar leadership role. • Strong experience in labour relations, HR compliance, employee relations, and HR operations. • Experience within the shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, maritime, supply chain, or closely related industries is essential. Knowledge & Skills • Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices. • Experience managing disciplinary processes, grievances, hearings, and performance management matters. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. • Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, organisational, and administrative skills. • High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail. • Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR administration systems. Preferred Requirements • Experience working within a multinational, international, or multicultural business environment. • Previous exposure to Chinese-owned, Chinese-managed, or international joint venture organisations. • Mandarin/Chinese language skills would be advantageous but are not essential. • Familiarity with logistics, shipping, freight forwarding, maritime, transportation, or supply chain operations. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will: • Be based in Johannesburg or willing to work full-time in Sandton. • Demonstrate a stable employment history with progressive HR responsibility. • Possess strong HR leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. • Be capable of working independently and taking ownership of the full HR function. • Have the ability to effectively engage with both local employees and international management teams. • Display maturity, professionalism, discretion, and strong business acumen. Working Hours Monday to Friday Normal office hours.