HR/Payroll Administrator

Background to the Company

Willowton Group has been in operation since 1970 and has grown to become one of Africa’s leading edible oil processors, as well as one of the leading competitors in the South African FMCG market.

The group operates across South Africa with manufacturing facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Willowton Group has recently completed expanding its manufacturing operations into Zambia and Zimbabwe, with aspirations to further extend its reach to customers throughout Africa.

A wide range of products encompasses edible oils, rice, margarines and spreads, beauty, toilet and laundry soaps, candles, baking, and industrial fats. Well-known brands include, amongst others, Sunfoil, Sunshine D, D’lite, Crown, WoodenSpoon, and Allsome rice.

Key to the group’s success are the sound foundations of service excellence, continued investment in technology and human resources and the hands-on involvement of the directors in the day-to-day running of the business.

By combining flexibility and vision with a sound business approach, the company is set to strengthen its position in the FMCG market even further, now and into the future.

Duties & Responsibilities

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced HR/Payroll Administrator with a strong background in payroll, timesheet management, and time and attendance systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Sage payroll software, a thorough understanding of payroll compliance, and the ability to manage employee time records accurately. This role plays a key part in ensuring smooth payroll operations and supporting broader HR functions.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll & Compensation (Primary Focus)

• Accurately process monthly payroll using Sage payroll software, ensuring compliance with local laws and internal policies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records including salary changes, deductions, bonuses, and benefits.
• Calculate and process statutory deductions (e.g., taxes, pensions, insurance contributions).
• Prepare and distribute pay slips and ensure timely salary payments.
• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile payroll data and generate reports.
• Strong Excell skills

Timesheets, Time, and Attendance:

• Manage and verify employee timesheets for accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee the company’s time and attendance system, ensuring accurate tracking of hours, shifts, absences, and overtime.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in time records and attendance logs.
• Ensure compliance with working hour regulations, holiday entitlements, and attendance policies.
• Train employees and managers on the proper use of timekeeping systems.

HR Operations Support:

• Maintain up-to-date employee records, including contracts, personal information, and benefits data.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes with a focus on system setup and payroll integration.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, internal HR policies, and audit requirements.
• Assist in HR reporting, policy updates, and participation in process improvement initiatives.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications:

• Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration Qualification, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in HR with strong specialization in payroll and timekeeping.
• Proficient in Sage Payroll software and time and attendance systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and employment law.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience handling payroll data and reports.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person