Human Resource Business Partner

HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNERS

(Payclass 10: Permanent) 

HR: CLIENT SERVICES 

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Make an impact through people.

The University of Cape Town is looking for an experienced, solutions-oriented Human Resources Business Partner to join its HR Client Services team.

This is an opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys working at the intersection of people, strategy and organisational priorities, and who can translate business needs into practical, innovative and impactful people solutions.

The HR Business Partner provides a comprehensive, proactive and integrated HR partnering service to line management and employees within a complex Higher Education environment. Working closely with University leadership, the successful candidate will provide trusted HR advice and support, while contributing to organisational effectiveness, employee engagement and the achievement of institutional objectives.

We are looking for a hands-on and credible HR professional who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels; build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders; navigate complex employee and organisational matters; and find creative solutions to challenging people issues.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST:

• An NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology or a related field.


• At least five (5) years' generalist Human Resources experience with significant experience in an HR Business Partnering environment.


• Demonstrable experience in providing end-to-end HR Business Partnering support to all stakeholders.


• Current, in-depth knowledge of HR legislation and employee management requirements, including employment law, employee relations, workers' compensation and union relations.


• Strong advisory, influencing, coaching and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience in professional development and training.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical and innovative solutions.


• The ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure and operate effectively in a complex organisation.


• Proficiency in the MS Office suite.


• Demonstrable ability to develop and manage projects and initiatives from concept through to implementation.

THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS: 

• Experience in a Higher Education environment.


• Knowledge and experience of SAP HR.


• SABPP registration.


• Experience in organisational development, organisational change or workforce planning.


• Experience in working within a unionised or complex employee relations environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 As an HR Business Partner, you will:

• Partner with University leadership to understand organisational priorities and translate these into effective people strategies and solutions.


• Provide strategic HR partnering, change management and operational expertise to the Faculty/PASS Department.


• Act as a trusted HR advisor and thought partner to line managers and leaders on complex people matters.


• Provide advice, coaching and support across the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment and selection, performance management, job evaluation, remuneration and benefits, induction, development and training, staff wellness, organisational design and academic probation.


• Provide advice and support on employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance processes, incapacity, restructuring, conciliation, mediation and arbitration.


• Support organisational change initiatives and proactively identify opportunities to improve people practices, processes and organisational effectiveness.


• Build and maintain constructive and collaborative relationships with line managers, staff, HR colleagues, unions and other stakeholders.


• Provide leadership and guidance on the interpretation and implementation of HR strategy, policies and procedures, ensuring consistency with legislation and UCT requirements.


• Use HR data, management information and analytics to identify trends, inform decision-making and provide evidence-based HR advice.


• Lead and contribute to HR projects and initiatives that enhance organisational effectiveness and client service.


• Work collaboratively across HR to deliver integrated and client-focused HR solutions.

WHY JOIN UCT?

At UCT, HR Business Partners operate in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment where people are central to the University's success.

You will have the opportunity to work with diverse academic and professional services environments, engage with leaders on complex organisational and people matters, and contribute to initiatives that directly support the University's strategic objectives.

If you are an HR professional who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing leaders, building trusted relationships and making a tangible difference through people, we would like to hear from you.

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description, see link: (view)

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R661 967 and R778 783.

To apply, please click the 'apply' button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. 

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Motivational letter that specifically addresses your suitability for the position, with particular reference to the first five (5) requirements listed under “Key Requirements”.


• Details of three professional referees, including their title, name, position, relationship to you, email address and telephone number.


• Highest qualification


• ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at [email protected] or 021 650 4505.

Closing date:              2 November 2026

Website:                     http://hr.uct.ac.za

Reference number:    ID1514

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/oic/employment-equity

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected].

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.