National HR & IR Manager (Head Office)

Red Ember Recruitment is currently recruiting for a National HR & IR Manager on behalf of our client, a well-established industrial manufacturing company based in Kempton Park.This role will lead and drive the full HR function across a workforce of approximately 300 employees, managing a team of 6, and balancing both strategic HR leadership and hands-on operational delivery within a unionised environment. Responsible for the overall management and development of all aspects of HR and Talent Management for the company including: Recruitment and Selection Learning and Development Talent Management Management of the HR Department Compensation and Benefit Positioning Employee Relations Payroll Management Manage all recruitment needs for the company, including implementing and continually developing a robust recruitment process. Oversee the day-to-day management of the recruitment process, including reviewing job descriptions, website advertising, updating the company resource plan, sifting and selection of CVs, attending interviews, and selecting candidates. Create and continually improve offer letters and contracts of employment, whilst managing the timely distribution of such documents and the collation of references, DBS, and security clearance as relevant to each role. Develop and implement HR/Talent Management and people strategies aligned to business objectives. Support and coach the management team on all people leadership matters, including business change and transformation. Build strong relationships with the management team to challenge and coach a high-performance environment. Job Description: Be responsible for all HR management and development, including recruitment and selection policies or practices, discipline, grievance, mentoring, salary and conditions, contracts, training and development, talent management, succession planning, performance appraisals, and any other HR-related issues. Develop and implement HR planning for the division and produce accurate HR reports to provide reliable information to the CEO. Lead the review of the company’s talent management processes, including performance and potential management, resource planning, and succession planning. Provide insight and recommendations on HR initiatives that strengthen business results (e.g. leadership and development programmes). Work with senior managers to identify talent gaps and create long-term workforce plans aligned to business objectives. Monitor, measure, and report on HR issues, opportunities, and development plans within agreed formats and timelines. Liaise with Directors and managers to understand HR requirements, ensure alignment with corporate HR strategy, and stay updated on HR legislation. Update the company server with relevant HR forms, policies, and procedures to ensure accessibility for employees. Act as a mediator to resolve employee grievances and manage long service rewards, ensuring timely communication. Deliver and report on the annual employee engagement survey, ensuring feedback is accurately interpreted and actioned. Conduct remuneration and compensation assessments and reviews. Manage staff assessments and performance appraisals. Handle disciplinary actions, retrenchments, and litigation. Establish and maintain systems for learning and development planning, delivery, and measurement. Requirements Bachelor’s Degree or Honours in Human Resources Relevant Labour Law Industrial Relations qualification Registered with the SABPP (South African Board for People Practices) CCMA certification Minimum 10+ years’ experience in HR Management Proven experience within an industrial / manufacturing environment Strong exposure to unionised environments (non-negotiable) In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation: LRA (Labour Relations Act) BCEA (Basic Conditions of Employment Act) SDA (Skills Development Act) EEA (Employment Equity Act) MIBCO and union frameworks Experience with payroll systems (Sage 300) and VIP Premier Solid exposure to Employment Equity and payroll practices Valid Code 8 driver’s license Personal Attributes: Strong decision making and problem-solving ability Able to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines High level of attention to detail Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Confident in engaging with senior leadership and unions Strong administrative and reporting capability Fully computer literate Fluent in English (written and verbal) Benefits Travel Allowance Cell phone Allowance Provident fund Medical Allowance