We are recruiting a Principal HR People Partner / HR Manager to be based in Johannesburg, South Africa for our client which is a leading global pharmaceutical organization, recognized for its strong scientific heritage, innovative product portfolio, and unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes worldwide. Operating across international markets, the company fosters a culture of ethics, collaboration, and high performance, empowering professionals to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Salary- 55,000 ZAR Monthly Net + Annual Bonus +13th Month Salary

Hybrid Working Model

Role Purpose

As the Principal HR People Partner, you will serve as a strategic advisor and coach to business leaders and employees, driving workforce performance and organizational effectiveness.
You will provide end-to-end HR partnership across talent, engagement, change, and operational excellence, while ensuring full compliance with South African labour legislation and corporate policies.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Strategic & Business Partnership

• Act as a trusted partner to the Regional Director and leadership team.
• Actively contribute to business strategy through workforce planning, organizational design, and people initiatives.
• Lead and support organizational change, ensuring clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and employee adoption.
• Develop and implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention.

People Advisory & Leadership Enablement

• Provide expert HR advisory and coaching to managers on complex people matters including:

• Performance management & PIPs
• Employee relations & investigations
• Misconduct, grievance, and disciplinary processes
• Organizational effectiveness & change management
• Enable leaders to strengthen their people leadership capabilities through coaching and guidance.

Talent & Workforce Programs

·  Lead and execute cyclical and strategic people processes:

• Talent Reviews, Calibration, CMS, ESOP
• Career & succession planning
• Development assignments & service awards
• Compensation and benefits consulting

·  Partner with HR Service Delivery on:

• Recruitment & workforce planning
• Learning & development programs
• Leadership onboarding & assimilation

Local HR Operations & Compliance

·  Own and manage local HR service delivery including:

• Labour relations and dispute management
• Performance management and exits
• Long-term sickness and wellness cases
• Onboarding & offboarding
• Monthly payroll input and reporting
• Benefits administration (Medical Aid & Provident Fund)

·  Ensure full compliance with:

• South African labour law & DOL requirements
• Employment Equity & Workplace Skills reporting
• Workmen’s Compensation submissions

Governance, Audit & Regulatory Reporting

• Lead preparation and support for:
  • Annual external audit
  • Annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)
  • Employment Equity (EE) Report
  • Workmen’s Compensation report
• Serve as key HR liaison with Finance, Legal, HR COEs, and Country Leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (HR, Business, Psychology, or related) — HR certification preferred.
• 5–7+ years HR experience within multinational, matrixed organizations.
• Strong background as an HR Generalist / HR People Partner, ideally in Pharma, Medical Equipment Manufacturing, FMCG Multinationals.
• Proven experience in:
  • Labour relations & union/employee body negotiations
  • Complex stakeholder management
  • Hybrid & matrix organizational structures
  • Change management and organizational transformation

Key Competencies

• Strong influencing and coaching capability
• Excellent judgment in handling sensitive matters
• High emotional intelligence & credibility with senior leaders
• Commercial acumen and business-first mindset
• Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity
• Highly collaborative and solution-oriented