Thabazimbi: Human Resources Business Partner (5* Game Lodge) – Thabazimbi posted by Phoenix Recruitment

Luxury Game Lodge based close to Thabazimbi is looking for a Human Resources Business Partner. We are looking for an HR professional to lead with care and delivers with confidence, supporting a team that values warmth, consistency , and professionalism , the HR Business Partner will play a critical role in shaping culture , supporting leaders , and ensuring compliance and structure . This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced, people-first hospitality environment. This is a hands-on role requiring equal parts emotional intelligence , strategic thinking , and administrative precision. You will partner closely with the General Manager and department heads to ensure operational excellence and a values-driven employee experience. Duties: People Operations & Support: Act as the primary HR contact for all day-to-day queries and people matters. Partner with the General Manager and HODs to reinforce a high-performance, inclusive team culture. Support the delivery of consistent, human-centred employee experience across departments. Recruitment & Onboarding: Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring efficiency and legal compliance. Lead warm, structured onboarding processes aligned to brand and operational needs. Performance & Employee Relations: Support performance reviews, KPIs, probation feedback, and appraisals. Manage employee relations, including disciplinary and grievance processes. Engage directly with shop stewards and trade unions, maintaining open, constructive dialogue and supporting wage negotiations and procedural fairness. Coach managers in handling IR matters with legal and emotional intelligence. Training & Development: Identify training gaps and coordinate relevant internal and external learning interventions. Track compliance with skills development and employment equity obligations. Support succession planning and the development of internal talent pipelines. Compliance, Administration & Transactional Delivery: Maintain all HR records, including contracts, performance documentation, and leave registers. Prepare monthly payroll input and liaise with central payroll for accurate processing. Ensure full compliance with BCEA, LRA, EE Act, and company policies. Standardise and maintain current documentation, job descriptions, and SOPs. Requirements: Diploma or Degree in HR Management / Industrial Psychology (NQF 6–7). 5 years’ HR Generalist experience, preferably in hospitality or luxury retail/service environments. Strong working knowledge of South African labour legislation, including unionised environments. Experience with Sage, ESS or other HRIS platforms. Mature, emotionally intelligent, and able to manage sensitive people issues with discretion and professionalism. Comfortable working flexibly, including weekends or evenings when operations require it. Confident communicator with the credibility to coach managers and support change. Organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about creating meaningful work experiences.