Manager: Human Resource Business Partners at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) function in support of the University's strategic objectives. 
• Partner with Executive Management to develop and implement integrated human capital strategies across faculties and support divisions. 
• Lead workforce planning, organisational design, organisational development, talent management, succession planning, and change management initiatives. 
• Provide strategic advice and evidence-based recommendations on complex human capital, workforce, governance, and employee relations matters. 
• Lead and manage the HR Business Partner team to ensure high-quality, client-centred service delivery and continuous improvement. 
• Drive organisational effectiveness through workforce analytics, performance monitoring, and strategic human capital interventions. 
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of HR policies, governance frameworks, and compliance with employment legislation. 
• Lead institutional HR risk management and provide strategic oversight of employee and labour relations matters. 
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Executive Management, Deans, Executive Directors, Directors, and Heads of Department. 
• Lead strategic HR projects, digital transformation initiatives, benchmarking, and continuous improvement programmes. 
• Prepare and present strategic reports, workforce analytics, and recommendations to Executive Management and governance structures. 
• Manage the operational and financial resources of the HR Business Partner function.

Inherent requirements:

• An Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. 
• A minimum of eight (8) years' relevant Human Resources experience.

Recommendations:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field. 
• Registration with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) as a Chartered HR Professional (CHRP) or equivalent professional designation (attach a copy). 
• Experience in the higher education sector. 
• Experience providing strategic advice to Executive Management. 
• Experience leading organisational design, organisational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives. 
• Knowledge of employment legislation, HR governance, and institutional policy development. 
• Experience in strategic workforce analytics and evidence-based decision-making.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.