HR Practitioner at Phakisa Group

Position Overview

• The HR Practitioner is responsible for overseeing the full range of HR functions at the client site, with a focus on ensuring the smooth delivery of HR services, compliance with labour legislation, and effective workforce management. This senior role provides hands-on HR support, strategic guidance to management, and leadership to a team of HR Administrators. The HR Practitioner ensures operational excellence across HR processes, while acting as the key point of contact for escalated HR matters.

Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor a team of HR Administrators, ensuring high performance and adherence to deadlines
• Oversee daily HR administration tasks and provide guidance on complex matters
• Monitor workload distribution and support team development through coaching and training

HR Operations Oversight

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment support, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding
• Ensure consistency and compliance across HR processes and documentation
• Review and approve HR transactions processed by Administrators
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency

Compliance & Employment Relations

• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, company policies, and client-specific requirements
• Handle complex employee relations matters, including counselling.
• Act as the liaison between client management and HR regarding compliance issues
• Assist with audits, including preparation of required documentation

HR Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare and analyse HR reports for management
• Monitor HR metrics and recommend corrective actions as needed
• Oversee data integrity in HRIS systems and employee files

Recruitment & Onboarding Support

• Collaborate with client and recruitment teams on sourcing and selection
• Oversee onboarding processes, ensuring smooth integration of new employees
• Review employment contracts and ensure legal and procedural compliance

Training & Development Coordination

• Identify training needs and coordinate learning initiatives
• Monitor training completion and ensure records are up to date
• Support employee development plans in alignment with business objectives

Offboarding & Exit Processes

• Oversee termination processes, ensuring compliance with policies and legal requirements
• Conduct or review exit interviews to gather insights on staff turnover
• Ensure proper completion of final payments, documentation, and exit procedures

Employment Equity (EE)

• Prepare accurate EE data for submissions in line with legislative deadlines
• Compile and review EE Reports in collaboration with the client
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Employment Equity Act

Coordinate submission of EE Reports (EEA2, EEA4)

• Maintain up-to-date records of employment equity targets, and related documentation
• Support internal EE committee by providing necessary information and documentation
• Monitor progress against EE goals and provide reports to management and relevant stakeholders

Skills Development

• Prepare accurate Skills Development data for submissions in line with legislative deadlines
• Compile and review Skills Development Plans in collaboration with the client
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including Skills Development Act
• Coordinate submission of Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR)
• Maintain up-to-date records of training interventions and related documentation
• Support internal Skills Committees by providing necessary information and documentation
• Monitor progress against WSP and provide reports to management and relevant stakeholders

FTE Management

• Monitor, manage, and report on FTE allocations across all sites
• Ensure accurate tracking of headcount, vacancies, and FTE utilisation
• Collaborate with client management to align staffing levels with business fluctuations
• Provide oversight on workforce planning
• Review and validate FTE data submitted by payroll
• Prepare consolidated FTE reports for internal management and client reviews
• Support operations in managing temporary and fixed-term workforce components
• Ensure FTE adjustments are reflected accurately in HRIS systems

Required Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or related field
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive HR experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience
• Experience in an HR consulting or client-facing environment preferred
• Familiarity with South African labour legislation and HR best practices

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in HRIS systems with ability to guide others
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, especially Excel
• Strong knowledge of HR reporting, analytics, and compliance requirements
• Competence in document management, records retention, and data accuracy
• Familiarity with workflow tools and digital collaboration platforms

Core Competencies

• Leadership and coaching skills with the ability to manage and develop teams
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data management and documentation
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Client service orientation with ability to build strong relationships at all levels
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments