People Services HR Team Lead

About the position

People Services HR Team Lead

Lead and grow a people-first HR team in a global research agency

Cape Town (Office based) | Salary: R20000 -R25000 | Full-Time, Permanent | UK Hours Monday- Friday

About Our Client

Our client is a world-leading research agency with a diverse global team across 14 countries in the UK, Europe, and APAC. Their work supports decision-making for governments, regulators, charities, and other public sector organisations by providing evidence, insights, and advisory services that shape the next generation of public policy and programmes.

They pride themselves on an inclusive, people-first culture that values growth, collaboration, and impact. Joining them means becoming part of a supportive community where your leadership will directly contribute to meaningful outcomes worldwide.

The Role: People Services HR Team Lead

As the People Services HR Team Lead, you will oversee a small on-the-ground team within the newly formed People Services Hub. This role combines hands-on HR administration with leadership responsibilities, ensuring smooth HR operations, accurate employee data management, and best-in-class employee lifecycle support. You will manage workloads, mentor team members, and act as the first point of escalation for complex queries, all while ensuring compliance and contributing to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage team workload, priorities, and schedules to meet deadlines and service standards
• Act as the first point of escalation for complex employee queries and issues
• Onboard and upskill People Services team members, providing guidance and training
• Maintain HR process documentation and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee employee lifecycle administration (onboarding, offboarding, contracts, job changes, leave, performance processes)
• Ensure accuracy and compliance of employee records in HRIS (SuccessFactors) and personnel files
• Prepare and coordinate cyclical HR activities such as performance reviews, pay reviews, and employee surveys
• Collaborate with payroll, People Partners, and Talent teams to ensure seamless operations
• Monitor compliance-related tasks, mandatory training, and assist with audits
• Generate HR metrics and reporting as required

About You

• Proven experience as a team leader or supervisor in HR administration
• Minimum 3-5 years HR experience, preferably in research, evaluations, evidence, or communications industries
• Strong leadership and people management qualities with a collaborative mindset
• High attention to detail, strong organisational and data management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms (SuccessFactors experience advantageous)
• Language skills in Dutch, German, or French (other European languages beneficial)
• Based in Cape Town with the ability to work UK business hours
• Stable career track record (no job hoppers)

Desired Skills:

• People Operations / HR Administration
• HR Leadership & Team Management
• Employee Lifecycle Management
• HRIS & Data Management
• Employee Relations & Query Resolution
• Continuous Process Improvement