Manager: People Partner Operations - MAKRO Gqeberha at Massmart

Summary:

• The Manager: People Partner Operations is responsible for managing the delivery and implementation support of people strategies, workforce planning, and people experience initiatives in line with operational business priorities for Makro and Commercial portfolios

Strategic Business and Workforce Enablement Support

• Lead the implementation of site-level people plans and initiatives within the Makro and Commercial portfolios, aligning with the overall direction of the Regional Manager and Senior Manager.
• Oversee and support the People Partner team in executing workforce activities and People program rollouts at Makro and Commercial sites.
• Ensure the effective implementation of core HR practices, policies, and communications at the site level within the portfolios.
• Monitor and track the operational progress of People initiatives within Makro and Commercial, reporting status to the Senior Analyst.
• Support the Senior Analyst in gathering data and insights related to workforce needs and gaps within the portfolios.

Culture and Change Support

• Drive the implementation of culture initiatives, campaigns, and events within Makro and Commercial.
• Oversee and support the People Partner team in reinforcing communication on company values and desired behaviours at the site level.
• Lead the execution of culture and engagement activities within Makro and Commercial.
• Encourage and track associate participation in values-based programmes and initiatives within Makro and Commercial.
• Collect and provide feedback and participation data from culture initiatives to the Regional Manager.

Talent and Leadership Enablement Implementation Support

• Lead the implementation of core talent processes such as performance management, development planning, and basic succession tracking within Makro and Commercial.
• Oversee and support the People Partner team in coordinating logistics and execution of training sessions and learning modules.
• Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of performance management actions and cycles within the Makro and Commercial.
• Provide guidance and support to Makro and Commercial supervisors and managers on key talent processes, leveraging resources from the Regional Manager and COEs.
• Ensure development plans and learning records are accurately maintained by the team.

Associate Experience Ownership

• Drive the implementation of initiatives focused on enhancing the associate experience within the Makro and Commercial portfolios.
• Oversee and support the People Partner team in responding to associate queries and providing frontline support.
• Ensure the effective implementation of onboarding and induction processes for new associates in the portfolios.
• Lead the execution of wellness, safety, and engagement activities within Makro and Commercial.
• Manage the escalation of associate issues that require intervention beyond the People Partner level to the Regional Manager or Senior Manager as appropriate.
• Oversee the collection of associate feedback within the portfolios and provide insights to the Regional Manager.

Data-Driven People Administration and Reporting

• Support the Regional Manager by ensuring accurate and timely maintenance of people and associate data for the Makro and Commercial portfolios.
• Oversee the running of standard reports from people systems to support audits, compliance, and data requests from the Regional Manager.
• Monitor key operational people metrics (e.g., leave, absenteeism, probation completion) for Makro and Commercial, reporting trends and anomalies to the Regional Manager.
• Collect and compile inputs for dashboards or reports managed by the Regional Manager, providing context specific to the portfolios.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all people administration and records within the Makro and Commercial portfolios

Stakeholder Management

• Build and manage relationships with Makro and Commercial site leaders, line managers, and key stakeholders to drive the implementation of People initiatives.
• Serve as a key point of contact for People-related matters for Makro and Commercial leadership, escalating strategic issues to the Regional Manager or Senior Manager.
• Liaise with Shared Services and COEs to ensure effective support and resolution of issues for the Makro and Commercial portfolios.
• Represent the People Partnering team in relevant Makro and Commercial operational meetings as required.

Team Supervision

• Lead, manage, and develop the People Partner(s) assigned to the Makro and Commercial portfolios.
• Set clear objectives for the People Partner team, aligning with the implementation priorities set by the Senior Manager.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to the People Partner team to ensure effective performance and development.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage the professional growth of the People Partner team members.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Minimum Academic, Professional Qualifications & Experience required for this position

• Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources/ Business Administration specialising in HR/ Industrial psychology-related qualification.
• Honours degree in Human Resources/ Business Administration specialising in HR/ Industrial psychology-related qualification advantageous.

Experience:

• 3+ years’ experience in HR Operations / Business Partnering preferably in omni-channel retail environments.
• Experience supporting change and transformation projects in a structured manner.

Competencies & Skills

• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM).
• Ability to extract, analyse, and interpret HR data and dashboards to generate actionable insights.
• Understanding of workforce metrics (headcount, turnover, cost-to-serve, etc.)
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives, timelines, and deliverables across Makro and Commercial.
• Working knowledge of internal policies, procedures, and governance practices.
• Ability to ensure consistent application and escalation of issues when necessary.
• Builds trusted relationships with business and HR stakeholders.
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and with context across multiple levels.