Job Title: Project HR Lead / HR Manager

Location: Site-Based, South Africa

Project Type: Large-Scale Municipal Water Infrastructure DB + Unit Price Contract Project (Owner: Government Agency)

Employment Type: Fixed-Term Project Role (Contract)

Reports To: Project Director / Country HR Head

Overview:

We are seeking an accomplished and highly capable Project HR Lead / HR Manager to spearhead, manage, and execute the comprehensive Human Resources function for a significant municipal water infrastructure project in South Africa. This on-site position will assume a pivotal leadership role in constructing the HR infrastructure from the ground up, guaranteeing strict adherence to all legislative requirements, maintaining labor stability, efficiently mobilizing the workforce, and providing strategic support for the successful execution of the project. This represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be an integral part of a large-scale government-backed project, where your contributions will have a profound impact on labor sourcing, project acceleration, industrial relations, and stakeholder engagement. Under the condition of equal qualifications, candidates with working experience on projects managed by government agencies as the Employer side will be given priority consideration.

What You’ll Do:

• Establish the HR department and all associated support systems, processes, and tools throughout the project's full lifecycle.
• Draft and implement project-specific HR policies and procedures that align with South African labor laws and company standards (e.g. Employment Contracts, Disciplinary Policies, Grievance Procedures, Code of Conduct, Leave Management Policies, etc.).
• Ensure the proper statutory registrations of employees with the Department of Employment and Labour and other relevant institutions (e.g. UIF, COIDA, SDL).
• Design and maintain compliant employee records and documentation to meet audit and legal requirements.
• Lead the end-to-end recruitment and onboarding processes for both permanent staff and project-based hires, including technical, skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labor.
• Develop talent acquisition plans that synchronize with project timelines, including collaborating with external labor brokers and engaging with the community where applicable.
• Oversee all take-on administration, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
• Lead the implementation of site-level industrial relations strategies in partnership with project leadership and external legal advisors.
• Manage union engagement, wage negotiations, strike mitigation strategies, grievance resolution, disciplinary hearings, and CCMA cases as required.
• Identify and proactively mitigate potential labor risks and conflicts to ensure continuous labor peace on site.
• Conduct regular IR audits and subcontractor IR compliance reviews.
• Manage all HR administrative duties including but not limited to leave management, timesheet management, and benefits administration.
• Input and verify payroll-related data, ensuring accurate and timely submission to payroll for processing.
• Oversee independent contractor agreements, ensuring deliverables, durations, and payments are contractually compliant.
• Liaise with external parties (labour consultants, auditors, regulators) and internal departments to ensure smooth HR operations.
• Conduct internal audits to verify documentation, compliance, and risk areas.
• Implement performance management frameworks suited for large-scale project delivery and execution.
• Monitor and manage employee performance, ensuring regular feedback, counselling, and capability interventions are conducted.
• Promote a positive work culture through engagement activities, coaching sessions, and equitable management practices.
• Serve as the first point of contact for all site-related HR matters, fostering trust and transparency among employees.
• Collaborate with the Economic Development team to fulfil ED and SED reporting requirements (e.g. local labor sourcing, youth/women participation, training records).
• Maintain records and reporting documentation to satisfy compliance with REIPPPP obligations and community-related audits.

What We’re Looking For:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources Management, Labour Law, or Industrial Psychology.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in HR, with at least 5 years on large-scale EPC or construction projects in South Africa.
• Deep understanding of South African Labour Legislation, including BCEA, LRA, EE Act, Skills Development Act, COIDA, etc.
• Proven experience with high-volume workforce ramp-up, including community employment models.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in Industrial Relations within unionised and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proficiency in payroll processes and leave/attendance tracking systems.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders including subcontractors, site leadership, regulatory bodies, and unions.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• Technically proficient with MS Office and HRIS tools.
• Driver’s license and willingness to work in remote/project site conditions.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to be part of a landmark municipal water infrastructure project with tangible socio-economic impact.
• A challenging and rewarding site-based role with autonomy and strategic influence.
• Multicultural, high-performance team environment with opportunities for growth.