Job Description

Your mission is to forge powerful commercial relationships and become a trusted partner to business leaders across the country, offering strategic insights and expertise on all things People-related. You'll play a pivotal role in driving the successful execution of People practices, ensuring they align seamlessly with business objectives.
In this dynamic role, you'll collaborate closely with colleagues within the People function-including Functional People Business Partners, Centers of Excellence (CoEs), and People Services-to deliver a consistent, high-impact People service to leaders, managers, and colleagues nationwide. You'll also spearhead the local implementation of all Group and Function-driven People programs and change initiatives, ensuring they resonate and succeed within the country.
Be the driving force behind a people strategy that empowers leaders, elevates teams, and propels the business forward.Key Responsibilities Key Accountabilities and Decision Ownership:
Strategic Leadership Partnership: As a key member of the Country leadership team, you'll collaborate closely with senior leaders to deeply understand the business strategy and create People strategies that drive success. Your insights will be instrumental in shaping the direction of the organization.
Innovative People Strategies: Design and deliver cutting-edge People strategies that align with the business objectives, ensuring that change initiatives boost efficiency, employee performance, and engagement across the board.
Change Leadership: Take the reins on all country-specific change initiatives, collaborating with Functional People Business Partners to seamlessly implement function-led changes. You'll ensure that communication is clear and that the impact is positive and lasting.
Employee Relations Leadership: Lead the charge on employee relations within the country, driving engagement and spearheading negotiations with unions, works councils, and colleague representatives to foster a positive and productive workplace.
Talent Management Excellence: Own and execute key People processes such as talent reviews, succession planning, and performance management for all resources in the country. You'll provide valuable input to Function People BPs on training needs, identify rising stars, and spot potential successors.
Compensation Leadership: Lead the salary and bonus planning for country teams, working hand-in-hand with Country leaders to ensure alignment with Group policies and processes, and reward top talent effectively.
Headcount Management: Take ownership of the total headcount in the country, ensuring data accuracy and overseeing hiring and colleague transitions with precision and strategic insight.
Operational Alignment: Ensure seamless alignment with People Services on all in-country operational processes, keeping the wheels of the business turning smoothly.
Collaborative Excellence: Partner with Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Reward & Recognition, Learning & Development, and Resourcing & Talent to tailor country-specific requirements and implement them effectively. Your business insights will help shape and continuously improve Group People policies.
Service Delivery Champion: Be the champion for the service delivery model within the business, working closely with People Services Hub Managers to guarantee the effective delivery of the People services strategy for the Country.
Leadership Development: Mentor and develop Employee Relations Specialists (where applicable), using advanced performance management techniques to enhance their capabilities and drive their professional growth.
Be the catalyst for transformative change, guiding the country's leadership through innovative People strategies that empower teams and elevate the entire organization.Skills, Know-How, and Experience:
Strategic Relationship Builder: Excel at quickly forging strong, trusting relationships with individual stakeholders and groups. You'll become a credible, go-to strategic partner, coaching and influencing business leaders to drive impactful decisions.
Dynamic Change Leader: With a keen eye for identifying areas ripe for transformation, you don't just suggest change-you lead it, driving initiatives through to successful completion with energy and precision.
HR Strategy Influencer: Bring your rich experience in a generalist HR role to the table, where you've previously shaped and implemented HR strategy, guiding line managers to success.
Matrix Environment Navigator: Thrive in a complex, matrixed business environment, leveraging your experience within a People shared services model to deliver seamless, impactful HR services.
HR Expertise: Boasting deep knowledge of best-in-class HR practices, you cover the full HR cycle-from systems and policies to legislation-ensuring alignment with both business strategy and operational needs.
Employee Relations Pro: You're a seasoned expert in employee relations, skilled at negotiating effectively with trade unions and works councils to maintain a positive and productive workplace.
Leadership Experience: With previous line management experience under your belt, you're adept at leading teams, fostering growth, and achieving outstanding results.
Communication Mastery: Fluent in English, you possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and influence in every interaction.Preferred:
Agility in Fast-Paced Environments: You've thrived in fast-paced, dynamic settings, demonstrating your ability to adapt and succeed under pressure.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: You're dedicated to your professional growth, consistently seeking opportunities for learning and development to stay ahead of the curve.
Technical / Professional Qualifications:
Academic Excellence: Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree that supports your HR expertise.
Professional Credentials: Possess a functional qualification or membership with a recognized professional body (e.g., CIPD or equivalent), further solidifying your authority in the field.Function PeopleCountry South AfricaOffice Location JohannesburgWork Place type HybridAdvert Working at Sage means you're supporting millions of small and medium sized businesses globally with technology to work faster and smarter. We leverage the future of AI, meaning business owners spend less time doing routine tasks, like entering invoices and generating reports, and more time pursuing their ambitions.Our colleagues are the best of the best. It's why we were awarded 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor. Because to achieve extraordinary outcomes, we need extraordinary teams. This means infusing Sage with people who knock down barriers, continuously innovate, and want to experience their potential.
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