HR Lead

Salary:
Competitive

Location:

Cape Town Office, South Africa (Hybrid working model)

Employment Type:

Permanent (Full‑Time, 37.5 hours per week)

Closing Date: 16 January 2026

Contact:
Julie Wilcock (julie.wilcock)

The role will independently support leaders and managers in the Region's product groups to deliver effective leadership and practices.

• Operational Support:
  Provide daily HR support to managers and employees, ensuring effective delivery of employee lifecycle activities including workforce planning and talent management.
• Strategy Implementation:
  Align local people practices with the Global People & Culture strategy, supporting the development and execution of strategic plans with people impacts.
• Data Analysis:
  Analyse data to identify trends, inform decision‑making, and drive change.
• Employee Relations:
  Assist managers with employee relations issues, ensuring fair application of People policies, and guide managers to foster a positive work environment.
• Coaching & Development:
  Coach managers in employment practices, support learning and development needs, and initiatives to grow manager self‑sufficiency.
• Change Management:
  Support change and transformation activities, leading local HR aspects of organisational change and assisting employees through transitions.
• Compliance:
  Ensure HR practices comply with local employment laws and regulations; identify and mitigate risks, and address health and safety concerns.
• Country/Region‑Specific Duties:
  Oversee B‑BBEE activities in South Africa related to employment activities; collaborate with finance teams on budgeting, payroll, and benefits; develop and communicate local HR policies, ensuring alignment with legislation and global principles.

• Strong strategic partnership experience in a global, matrixed, commercial environment.
• Deep understanding of employment law and the ability to translate this into effective policies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge, negotiate, and influence at senior level.
• Proficiency in data analysis, risk assessment, and complex issue management.
• Extensive experience in leading people‑focused change management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and familiarity with multiple legislative frameworks.
• High level of discretion and diplomacy in handling confidential information.

• 24 days of annual leave (excluding public holidays)
• Medical aid contribution
• Group pension scheme contribution
• Discretionary annual bonuses
• Death and disability insurance
• Hybrid working organisation with flexible options from day one.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment supports the principles of Employment Equity and is committed to the goals of Broad‑Based Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa. In line with the company's B‑BBEE and EE objectives, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a world‑leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.

Applications must be submitted through our ATS; emailed applications cannot be accepted. The selection process includes a 15‑minute screening call, first‑stage interview with technical questions, and a final‑stage interview requiring a role‑related task and an in‑person meeting at our Cape Town office.

Please use the official online application procedure to submit your application before the closing date. If you experience technical difficulties, contact the recruiter for support.