About the position
Build the people function that turns manufacturing growth into lasting capability. Is this you? What you'll be doing (and why you'll enjoy it) Where you'll be doing it What you'll need What you'll get How to apply
Building a credible people function from a blank page is the kind of challenge that energises you. You think before acting, stay close to the factory floor and earn trust across every level. Practical, resilient and self-starting, you bring structure without forcing a corporate template onto an operational business.
Build a people function from the ground up, working directly with the CEO and making a visible difference across the factory. Assess current practices and prioritise quick wins, then establish reliable records, contracts, policies and processes. You will lead recruitment and onboarding, strengthen performance, training and succession, coach managers on employee relations, coordinate statutory reporting and work with the CFO to improve payroll accuracy.
Work where specialist vehicles are engineered and built for mines, fire services and demanding industrial sites. This Johannesburg South base brings the head office, factory floor and skilled teams together. Nearly 40 years of engineering heritage, recent investment and around 50% turnover growth support the business as it strengthens its operations.
A relevant HR, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations or HR-focused BCom degree is essential, with at least eight years' HR experience and three years as an HR Manager or senior HR Business Partner. You need an operational background in manufacturing, production, engineering or automotive, including factory-based employees and building or rebuilding an HR function. Strong labour law, Employment Equity, skills development and SETA knowledge is required. The role is office-based five days a week. Professional registration is advantageous.
Real influence comes with this standalone appointment. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will shape a people function rather than inherit one, work alongside a strengthening leadership team and build expertise across workforce planning, talent, compliance, development and culture. Your work will support skilled local employment and the organisation's next phase of growth.
For a confidential discussion please contact Chanelle Schoeman on LinkedIn, [Phone Number Removed]; or send your CV to [Email Address Removed] - we appreciate that your CV might not be fully up to date. No problem, just send us what you have. We do respond to everyone! Just give us a few days to work through your application.
Desired Skills:
- Employee Relations
- HR Management
- HR policy
- HR Development
- Industrial Relations
- Employment law
- Skills Development
- Employment Equity
- Recruitment
- HR Strategy
Desired Work Experience:
- 5 to 10 years
Desired Qualification Level:
- Degree
