The HR Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day HR function of the Group in a practical, organised and business-focused way. The role exists to support managers and employees, keep HR administration accurate and up to date, ensure fair and consistent application of company policies, and help the business manage recruitment, onboarding, probation, leave, employee relations, performance and exit processes properly.

The HR Manager is expected to bring structure, follow-through and sound judgement to HR matters while keeping processes simple and appropriate for a medium-sized, deadline-driven publishing business. The role also includes supporting related monthly administration, including HR payroll inputs and basic freelance invoicing coordination, without these becoming the primary focus of the position.

What You'll Do

• Manage day-to-day HR administration and employee records.
• Prepare employment contracts, addenda, HR letters and related correspondence.
• Coordinate recruitment, interviews, references and appointment documentation.
• Manage onboarding and induction administration.
• Track probation periods and ensure review meetings and documentation are completed.
• Support managers with employee relations, performance, conduct, incapacity and probation matters.
• Administer leave processes and assist employees and managers with ESS queries.
• Maintain and apply HR policies consistently.
• Coordinate employee exits, exit documentation and final HR administration.
• Assist with monthly payroll administration by ensuring HR-related payroll information is accurate, complete and submitted on time.
• Help maintain the payroll system with relevant employee changes and HR inputs.
• Assist with freelance invoicing administration by coordinating approvals and ensuring invoices are passed to accounts for processing.
• Help improve HR templates, checklists and internal workflows.

What We're Looking For

• Relevant HR qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 4–6 years' HR generalist or HR administration experience.
• Working knowledge of South African labour law, including BCEA and LRA principles.
• Experience with recruitment, onboarding, probation, employee relations and HR administration.
• Exposure to payroll administration or ESS systems would be advantageous.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Able to handle confidential matters appropriately.
• Organised, reliable and able to follow through.
• Comfortable working with managers and employees across different departments.
• Personal attributes
• Practical and grounded.
• Calm and discreet.
• Fair but firm.
• Good with detail.
• Comfortable with administration.
• Able to close loops.
• Service-orientated without being passive.
• Able to guide managers without taking over their responsibilities.