HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

October 23, 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

Location: Westville, Durban

Employment Type: Permanent

Department: Human Resources

Reporting To: Senior Operations Head / Managing Director

Kufanikiwa Consulting is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Human Resources Manager with proven experience in the engineering consulting industry.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across the HR function, ensuring effective people management, sound HR governance, legislative compliance and continuous improvement of HR systems and practices.

A key focus of the role is the development, implementation and maintenance of HR policies, procedures and systems aligned with organisational objectives and applicable South African labour legislation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. HR Strategy, Policies and Governance

Develop, implement, review and maintain HR policies, procedures, systems and controls.
Develop and manage the annual HR plan and budget, workforce planning and organisational structures.
Provide strategic HR advice to Executive Management, managers and employees.
Monitor HR performance indicators, identify risks and prepare management reports.
Maintain effective HR records and document control, supporting ISO 9001 audits and corrective actions.

2. Recruitment and Talent Management

Manage the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, probation, performance management and offboarding.
Coordinate workforce planning, succession planning, talent development and employee retention initiatives.
Develop and maintain an effective performance management system incorporating KPIs, performance reviews and improvement plans.
Coordinate salary benchmarking and support remuneration and benefits reviews.

3. Employee Relations and Labour Legislation

Manage employee relations, including grievances, disciplinary matters, misconduct, incapacity and poor performance.
Coordinate disciplinary hearings and manage CCMA-related matters, including preparation of documentation and representation where applicable.
Ensure compliance with applicable South African labour and employment legislation and internal HR policies.
Promote effective workplace communication, conflict resolution and employee engagement.

4. Employment Equity, BBBEE and Skills Development

Manage Employment Equity compliance, including plans, committee activities, consultation, monitoring and statutory reporting.
Support BBBEE compliance and verification, particularly employment equity and skills development requirements.
Coordinate training needs analysis, employee development programmes and annual training plans.
Prepare and submit the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR).
Manage relevant SETA requirements, including registrations, submissions, grant applications and training records.

5. HR Administration and Payroll

Oversee employment contracts, personnel files, HR registers and confidential employee information.
Monitor leave, attendance, absenteeism and other employee records.
Oversee payroll-related administration, including employee changes, deductions, benefits and verification of HR information before payroll processing.
Coordinate employee induction, wellness initiatives and exit interviews.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations, Business Management or a related field.
Minimum 8 years of relevant HR experience, including experience at management or senior HR level.
Proven experience in the engineering consulting industry.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures and systems.
Strong working knowledge of South African labour and employment legislation.
Practical experience in Employment Equity compliance, BBBEE-related HR requirements and statutory reporting.
Experience preparing and submitting WSPs and ATRs and managing SETA requirements.
Proven experience in employee relations, disciplinary hearings, grievances and CCMA matters.
Experience in recruitment, performance management, skills development and workforce planning.
Working knowledge of payroll administration, remuneration, employee benefits and HR budgeting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant HR information systems.

ADVANTAGEOUS

Postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations or Business Management.
Registration with a recognised professional HR body.
Experience in an ISO 9001-certified engineering consulting organisation.
Experience supporting internal and external audits, BBBEE verification and SETA-funded skills development programmes.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strong leadership and people-management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Sound HR governance, policy development and compliance capabilities.
Strong employee relations, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Analytical thinking, planning and organisational skills.
High standards of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
Ability to engage effectively with employees, management and external stakeholders