Executive Director: Human Resources ( 5 Year Fixed-Term) at University of Kwazulu Natal

Job description

• The Executive Director: Human Resources is responsible for the provision of strategic leadership in the implementation of the University’s human resource strategy, and in linking human resource management with organisational strategy. 
• The Executive Director: Human Resources manages the University’s Human Resources Division, including the Division’s budget, and will oversee a full range of human resources functions, such as Employee Relations, Human Resources, and Organisational Development and Reward Services.
• The University of KwaZulu-Natal strives to establish the University as an Employer of Choice in the South African Higher Education Sector and the Executive Director Human Resources will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and alignment of human resources policy and strategy to achieve this objective, by the creation and maintaining of an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement and wellbeing.

Minimum requirements

• An appropriate Master’s Degree. (i.e Industrial Psychology, Human Resources Management)
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management or executive management level in Human Resources.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to human resources within the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Knowledge of all employment related and other legislation impacting on the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic work environment.
• Experience of project management where innovative HR solutions have been delivered both personally and through delegating, mentoring and supporting others.
• Demonstrated experience of successfully consulting and negotiating with trade unions.
• Experience in change management and advocacy.
• Understanding of HR database systems and other technological systems which enhance the management and provision of HR services.
• The ability to effectively analyse workforce data, statistics for benchmarking, auditing, modelling and forecasting to support workforce and human resource planning

 PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES:

• The incumbent must be a person with exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and impeccable ethics; who is an institutional leader who leads by example and is able to foster strong interpersonal working relationships within Organised Labour; who gives leadership to management and staff within the Academic and Support College environments; and capably engages all external University Stakeholders.
• In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:
• An ability to provide strategic human resource direction to the Colleges.
• Sound judgement, above average analytical ability and a conceptual thinker.
• A champion to deliver above average results, by being committing to action, displaying resilience in the face of challenges and diligently executing assignments.
• Exceptional self- and people-management skills.
• Capable and committed to self-awareness and self-correction, developing people talent, team management and fostering productive working relationships.
• Respect for confidentiality and is trustworthy.
• Hold relevant business and administrative management acumen.
• Capability to undertake/manage strategic projects and assignments.
• Provide competent, respectful and ethical leadership.
• Puts into practice and embody the University Values - R.E.A.C.HT. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty and Trust).

ADVANTAGES:

• The ability to communicate in IsiZulu.
• A registered member of the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP) and/or the Institute of Personnel Management South Africa (IPM)

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 April 2026