Director: Remuneration and HR Administration (N001015) at North West University

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Alignment

• Develop and oversee the implementation of Remuneration and HR Administration strategies aligned to the University and People Strategy.
• Research, benchmark, consult and agree on best practice policies and processes within Remuneration and HR Administration.
• Provide strategic advice to executive leadership on reward strategy and models and workforce cost optimisation.
• Ensure governance frameworks, policies and practices that promote compliance, efficiency, and service excellence. 
• Monitor and report on remuneration trends, system effectiveness, service performance and organisational risks.

Remuneration Management  

• Direct the development and implementation of remuneration frameworks, salary structures and grading practices.
• Manage annual salary increase, bonus allocation and promotion cycle processes.
• Conduct impact analysis of remuneration decisions on organisational sustainability and cost management.
• Ensure remuneration practices are equitable, compliant and aligned to organisational objectives.
• Oversee auditing and governance of remuneration data for accuracy and consistency.

Reward, Recognition and Benefits Management

• Develop and implement strategies, policies and processes for reward, recognition and employee benefits management.  Oversee benefit programmes including retirement funds, medical aid, risk benefits and related offerings.
• Ensure regular benchmarking to maintain competitive and responsive reward and benefits practices.
• Manage relationships with service providers, brokers and relevant governance structures. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and governance requirements related to benefits. 
• Monitor utilisation, cost drivers and effectiveness of reward and benefits programmes and recommend improvements.

HR Shared Services and Administration

• Lead the HR shared services and HR Administration function ensuring effective delivery of HR administration from appointment to termination. 
• Oversee payroll, employee records, benefits administration and reporting processes. 
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy of payroll and compliance with statutory requirements. 
• Implement efficient and customer-centric service delivery models.
• Ensure quality, auditability and security of HR data.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Represent the University at relevant forums to influence remuneration, HR administration and legislative practices. 
• Provide advisory services on remuneration, HR operations and service delivery improvements.

Management and Leadership Results Areas

• Lead and develop a high-performing Remuneration and HR Administration team.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, performance management and staff development within the portfolio.
• Manage budgets, resources, systems and service delivery standards.
• Ensure effective risk management, governance and reporting within the function.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

. KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Remuneration, Reward and Benefits Management.
• Payroll and HR Administration Management.
• HR Shared Services and Service Delivery Models.
• HRIS and Data Governance.
• Financial and Cost Management.
• Employment Legislation and Compliance.
• Policy Development and Governance.
• HR Analytics and Reporting.
• Strategic Planning and Alignment.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic and Systems Thinking.
• Leadership and Accountability.
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving.
• Service Excellence and Customer Focus.
• Influencing and Advisory Capability.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building.
• Innovation and Digital Agility.
• Professional Integrity and Ethical Conduct

Minimum requirements

• A master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Human Resource Management, Remuneration or Reward Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in HR leadership encompassing remuneration strategy, benefits design, and HR operations/administration in a complex organisation.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Management of remuneration and HR administration function, including job evaluation, payroll oversight, Shared Services administration, and policy development.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Operational HR practice including remuneration benchmarking, benefits administration, and HR systems management.

Added Advantages:

• Experience working in a higher education institution or a similarly complex public-sector environment.
• Accreditation as a Global Remuneration Professional (GRP).
• Membership of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) or the South African Reward Association (SARA).

CLOSING DATE:07 October 2026