HR People Strategy Specialist

The HR People Strategy Specialist is responsible for delivering end-to-end HR administration and employee support within a fast-paced contact center environment. This role ensures compliance with South African labor legislation while managing HR operations across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee records, payroll administration, employee relations, and statutory reporting. Reporting to the HR Manager or HR Director, the successful candidate will partner closely with Talent Acquisition, Operations, Payroll, and Line Managers to provide accurate, compliant, and efficient HR support.

Key Responsibilities HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle

• Manage the employee lifecycle from onboarding through separation, ensuring all employee records, contracts, HRIS data, and documentation are accurate, compliant, and up to date.
• Coordinate employee onboarding, inductions, probation reviews, employee changes, and offboarding activities while maintaining a positive employee experience.
• Prepare HR reports, maintain workforce data, and support internal and external audits.

Payroll Administration & Compliance

• Prepare and submit payroll-related inputs, including employee changes, overtime, leave adjustments, allowances, and terminations.
• Ensure compliance with South African labor legislation, including BCEA, LRA, EEA, POPIA, COIDA, SDL, UIF, PAYE, and National Minimum Wage requirements.
• Administer leave, statutory reporting, and compliance-related documentation while supporting regulatory and business requirements.

Employee Relations

• Provide HR guidance and support to managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes, grievances, probation management, and performance concerns.
• Coordinate disciplinary hearings, maintain case documentation, and support CCMA-related preparation and proceedings where required.
• Promote fair and consistent application of company policies and labor legislation across the business.

Training, Skills Development & Employment Equity

• Coordinate training administration, skills development initiatives, SETA reporting, and workforce development programs.
• Support Employment Equity planning, reporting, compliance activities, and related committee initiatives.
• Maintain accurate training and compliance records and assist with learnership and internship programs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of HR Generalist or HR Administration experience, preferably within a BPO, contact center, or high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of South African labor legislation, including BCEA, LRA, EEA, POPIA, COIDA, SDL, and the National Minimum Wage Act.
• Experience using HRIS platforms such as Paycor, PeopleHum, or similar systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and HR reporting skills.