Director: HR Client Services and Operations
Position summary
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Job description
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR: HR CLIENT SERVICES & OPERATIONS
PEROMNES P5, 5-YEAR CONTRACT
REF NO: WSU INST 2026/41
The Director of HR Client Services & Operations at Walter Sisulu is a Senior Leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources operations, client services and staff planning within the university. This role plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, programs and initiatives to support the university's mission, vision, and strategic goals. The Director will lead the HRBP teams and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure effective HR service delivery, talent management, employee relations, compliance, and operational excellence.
Key Performance Areas:
- Provide leadership in strategic HR business partnering and HR advisory services
- HR client services, client engagement and relationship management
- HR team leadership & capacity development
- HR governance, compliance & risk management
- Employee & labour Relations
- Financial & resource management
- Membership of the HR management team
- · HR policy development, review, implementation & compliance management
Minimum requirements
Qualifications:
- A relevant NQF 8 qualification/degree preferably in the fields of Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, Business Management, Commerce or a relevant discipline.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years’ broad experience in HR, of which a minimum of 5 years should be at a management level in a large-scale, complex HR generalist environment, preferably within higher education.
Skills and Competencies required:
- Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices and legal requirements in South Africa
- Demonstrated experience in strategic HR planning and talent management.
- Extensive human resource management experience in a unionised environment
- Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic working environment
- Experience of delivering measurable and visible improvements in HR service quality and fostering a strong customer service ethic
- Strategic planning skills and ability to apply strategic concepts in the development of successful Human Resource solutions.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and drive change initiatives.
- Proficiency in HRIS and data analytics tools.
- Ability to manage employee data, utilising an automated human resources information system.
- Experience of analysing, using and presenting complex people information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences
- Strong data management and reporting skills.
- Strong working knowledge of MS Excel and Word software.
- Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarise and present information.
- Employee development and performance management skills.
- Ability to supervise and train employees, including organising, prioritising, and scheduling work assignments.
- Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
- Good working knowledge of Financial Management and Risk Management processes and frameworks
- Strategic capability (policy/process design & formulation) and outlook
- Project management experience where innovative HR solutions have been delivered, both personally and through others
- Experience in leading through change and knowledge of change management principles and methodologies in a complex environment
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacancies and comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply