Principal Specialist: Transformation, Diversity & Inclusion at Cell C

Purpose of the Job:

• Serve as the organisation’s deep subject‑matter expert in Transformation, Diversity & Inclusion (TDI), as well as on the Social and Governance aspects of ESG reporting, embedding enterprise-wide strategies, governance and operating practices that enable a fair, equitable, inclusive and high‑performance culture. Partner with Senior Leadership, HR COEs and functional executives to design, implement and monitor strategic initiatives that advance employment equity, transformation maturity, inclusive leadership capability, diverse talent pipelines, and an employee experience aligned to the D&I strategic pillars. This role influences enterprise strategy, shapes D&I frameworks, and enables systemic culture change.

Main Responsibilities

Transformation Strategy & Governance

• Lead the development, integration and refinement of the enterprise Transformation framework (EE, D&I, B‑BBEE, inclusive culture)
• Provide expert advisory support to Senior Leadership on transformation risks, opportunities and compliance responsibilities
• Drive governance processes, policy alignment and annual EE cycle execution in partnership with HR and business units
• Interpret legislative requirements and ensure readiness for audits, DOL engagements and B‑BBEE verification

 Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Strategy Execution

• Translate D&I Strategy into enterprise programmes anchored on: Inclusive Workplace; Diverse Talent; Employees & Brand
• Embed inclusive leadership behaviours into leadership frameworks, performance processes and talent practices
• Integrate D&I with career management, succession planning, graduate & early‑talent programmes in partnership with HRBPs and Talent

Talent Pipeline, Representation & Acceleration

• Define diverse talent pipelines in support of transformation and business capability needs
• Strengthen under‑represented talent pathways (graduates, high‑potential, acceleration)
• Use workforce analytics to identify gaps and shape targeted interventions

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as TDI expert advisor to CPO, Executive Leadership and governance committees
• Enable Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and functional champions to deliver on DE&I objectives
• Facilitate strategic consultations with unions, employees and external regulatory / industry bodies

Measurement, Reporting & Insights

• Develop an enterprise wide TDI measurement framework and dashboards with KPIs and targets
• Prepare statutory reports (e.g. EEA, BEE) and insights to EXCO, MANCO and the Board
• Prepare and submit all regulatory and statutory reports to relevant industry and state institutions
• Monitor progress and course correct initiatives based on data driven insights
• Provide input on the ESG section of the Integrated Report

Expanded Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD)

• Lead the design and execution of Cell C’s ESD strategy to advance black owned, black women‑owned, youth‑owned and disability‑owned enterprises within the telecommunications value chain
• Partner with Procurement and Finance to identify, onboard and develop ESD beneficiaries aligned to business needs, focusing on digital infrastructure, customer operations, network, retail and service providers
• Define annual ESD investment portfolios (financial and non‑financial support), ensuring interventions build sustainable business capability, operational maturity and long‑term supplier viability
• Provide expert guidance on preferential procurement alignment, ensuring sourcing and contracting decisions increase procurement recognition levels and improve B‑BBEE scoring
• Establish clear KPIs, dashboards, and quarterly performance reviews for ESD and Supplier Diversity, enabling EXCO/MANCO visibility of progress, gaps and strategic risks
• Ensure full compliance with B‑BBEE verification requirements by coordinating accurate evidence collection, beneficiary reporting, impact assessments and independent auditor engagements

Management Control Accountability

• Lead the integration of Management Control targets with enterprise succession planning, internal mobility, DCP (Dual Career Path), and Talent development processes to improve representation at middle, senior and top management levels
• Conduct deep workforce analytics on representation, race/gender distribution, feeder pools and progression bottlenecks to identify systemic barriers and propose targeted interventions
• Drive inclusive leadership behaviours across EXCO/MANCO by embedding unbiased decision‑making, fair calibration practices, and equitable promotion and reward processes
• Influence functional leadership to address representation gaps through structured talent moves, internal mobility pathways, targeted development programmes and succession actions aligned to business strategy
• Provide quarterly Management Control performance reports to EXCO, MANCO and the Board and Transformation Committee, highlighting progress, gaps, risks and required executive decisions
• Serve as the primary governance custodian for Management Control evidence, ensuring accuracy, audit readiness and alignment with B‑BBEE verification standards

Transformation Governance

• Chair, coordinate and professionally facilitate Employment Equity (EE) Forums across all divisions, ensuring active participation, statutory compliance and alignment with organisational Transformation objectives
• Develop forum agendas, annual plans, issue logs and decision registers to ensure structured discussions and transparent governance.
• Act as the primary liaison between EE representatives, HR Business Partners, Functional Leaders and Senior Management to ensure effective consultation and joint problem solving
• Present workforce analytics, EE progress, interventions and risks at each forum, using data driven insights to facilitate quality discussions and informed decisions
• Build capability of EE Representatives through targeted training, induction, and ongoing support to improve influence, confidence and understanding of Transformation legislation
• Ensure all EE Forum decisions, escalations and recommendations are formally documented and tracked, with progress updates reported to MANCO and EXCO
• Coordinate the development, consultation and submission of the annual EE Plan and EEA2/EEA4 reports to ensure legal compliance and readiness for DOL inspections

Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7)
• Postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) advantageous
• Human Resources, Organisational Psychology, Transformation, Social Sciences, Law or related field

Experience

• 10 -11 years’ experience
• Experience in HR, Transformation, DE&I, or Organisational Effectiveness within telecommunications or large complex organisations
• Proven expertise in designing and embedding enterprise wide TDI strategies and frameworks
• Experience leading B-BBEE, Employment Equity and transformation governance
• Demonstrated experience engaging senior executive leadership at a strategic level and successfully leading B‑BBEE/EEA compliance and audits

Management Experience

• 4 - 5 years’ experience operating at lead or principal specialist level

Strong knowledge and understanding of the following: 

• South African transformation legislation (EEA, B-BBEE, Skills Development)
• Transformation strategy design and maturity models
• Workforce analytics and diversity metrics
• Inclusive leadership and culture transformation
• Strong commercial acumen
• Understanding of telecom industry value chain
• ESG strategies and frameworks