HR Director: Client Partnering – Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences needed at Stellenbosch University

Duties    

• Providing expert HR advice to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, ensuring the effective implementation of SU HR strategies, policies, and processes;
• Acting as a strategic thought partner and first-line HR respondent for the Faculty, building strong relationships and ensuring deep immersion within the client environment;
• Ensuring compliance and proactive risk management in all HR matters, particularly in navigating the complexities of the Faculty’s staffing arrangements;
• Collaborating with the Dean, Executive team, Faculty managers, employees, and SU HR colleagues, especially those in centres of excellence, to ensure that insights from the Faculty inform broader institutional HR strategies;
• Co-developing and implementing bespoke HR strategies, policies, and processes tailored to the unique needs of the Faculty;
• Serving as the designate of the Chief Director: HR (CD: HR) as determined by the CD: HR, representing SU HR within the Faculty management team where relevant;
• Providing leadership, oversight, and strategic direction to the HR partnering team within the Faculty, fostering a team of problem solvers capable of dynamically and flexibly addressing strategic priorities and challenges.

Job Requirements    
Qualifications:

• At least an honours degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field;
• A master’s degree (NQF 9) in HR Management or a related discipline is highly desirable.

Experience: 

• For candidates with an honours degree: At least ten years’ broad HR management experience, with at least five years in a senior management role within a large-scale, complex HR environment;
• For candidates with a master’s degree: Seven to ten years’ broad HR management experience, with at least four years in a senior leadership role.

Skills and Expertise:

• Strong strategic capabilities, with experience in strategy formulation, process design, implementation and service delivery;
• Proven experience in leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic environment;
• Proven leadership skills, with a track record of building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships;
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a variety of stakeholders to drive service delivery;
• Experience in change management, project management, and financial acumen;
• Flexibility, service orientation, and openness to change;
• Strong work ethic, highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of HR legislation, policies, and best practices;
• Broad knowledge of HR management frameworks, including organisational development, employee value proposition, employment relations, systems, and governance;
• Understanding of business principles, financial management, and risk management frameworks.