Senior HR Generalist

About the position

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior HR Generalist to join our HR team in Durban. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end HR operations, providing strategic HR support, and ensuring compliance with South African labour legislation. This role requires a hands-on professional who can balance operational excellence with strategic HR initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Manage the full recruitment cycle from job posting to onboarding
• Develop job descriptions and person specifications
• Screen candidates, conduct interviews, and coordinate selection processes
• Build talent pipelines and maintain relationships with recruitment agencies
• Ensure Employment Equity compliance in hiring practices

Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee queries and concerns
• Conduct investigations into workplace grievances and disciplinary matters
• Facilitate disciplinary hearings and CCMA representation where required
• Mediate conflicts and promote positive employee relations
• Provide guidance to management on people-related issues

Performance Management

• Coordinate performance appraisal processes and cycles
• Coach managers on effective performance conversations
• Manage performance improvement plans and capability procedures
• Support succession planning and career development initiatives

HR Administration & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act, and other relevant legislation
• Maintain accurate HR records and employee files
• Prepare employment contracts, letters, and HR documentation
• Manage leave administration and employee benefits
• Coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate processing

Learning & Development

• Identify training needs and coordinate learning interventions
• Facilitate induction and onboarding programmes
• Maintain training records and Skills Development reporting
• Support Workplace Skills Plan development and implementation

HR Projects & Reporting

• Participate in HR projects and change management initiatives
• Prepare monthly HR reports and workforce analytics
• Support Employment Equity reporting and submissions
• Contribute to HR policy development and review

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or related field
• HR certification or professional registration (e.g., SABPP) is advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience in a generalist HR role
• At least 2 years in a senior or specialist capacity
• Proven experience in employee relations and disciplinary processes
• Experience representing the company at CCMA hearings
• Experience in a medium to large organization is preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough understanding of South African labour legislation
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and methodologies
• Excellent employee relations and conflict resolution skills
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and MS Office Suite (especially Excel)
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Additional language skills (isiZulu) would be advantageous

Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational excellence
• High level of integrity and confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Coaching and influencing capabilities

Desired Skills:

• Union Relations
• HR Systems Management
• Employee Relations
• HR policy
• HR Strategy

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Diploma