National HR & IR Manager; Commercial Trucks & Vehicle Industry

Position: National HR & IR Manager (Commercial Trucks & Vehicle Industry
National HR & IR Manager (Commercial Trucks & Vehicle Industry) Ekurhuleni

Role Introduction
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic National HR & IR Manager to lead the full Human Resources and Industrial Relations function within a fast-paced commercial truck and vehicle business environment. This senior leadership role requires a proven HR professional with extensive experience in labour relations, payroll governance, compliance, and workforce management across technical, workshop, dealership, and corporate operations.
Due to the critical nature, legal accountability, and operational impact of this position, only candidates who meet all the minimum qualifications and experience requirements will be considered. If you do not meet the mandatory criteria listed below, please do not apply.

Role Purpose
To lead and manage the full Human Resources and Industrial Relations function nationally within a commercial truck and vehicle business environment. The role is responsible for developing and executing HR strategy, ensuring legal compliance, strengthening employee relations, and driving talent, performance, and workforce optimisation across workshops, technical operations, dealerships, and corporate offices.

Minimum Mandatory Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field
• Labour Law qualification (essential)
• 10+ years’ HR Management experience, preferably within the motor, truck, or vehicle industry
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and bargaining council frameworks
• Experience managing payroll systems (e.g., VIP Premier or similar)

Minimum Requirements

• Exposure to Employment Equity and workforce transformation initiatives
• Valid Code 8 Driver’s License
• Strong computer literacy and HR systems knowledge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement national HR and Talent Management strategies aligned to business objectives and operational growth within the commercial vehicle and trucking sector.
• Act as a strategic business partner to Executive Management, providing workforce planning, organisational design, and people solutions.
• Lead and manage the HR Department, ensuring effective service delivery across all branches and sites.

Recruitment & Talent Management

• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes for technical, workshop, warehouse, sales, and corporate roles.
• Implement robust sourcing, selection, and onboarding practices to attract scarce and critical skills (e.g., technicians, mechanics, parts specialists).
• Drive succession planning, leadership development, and retention strategies.

Industrial Relations & Compliance

• Lead all Industrial Relations matters including disciplinary processes, grievances, hearings, disputes, retrenchments, and CCMA cases.
• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, SDA) and bargaining council agreements.
• Represent the company in negotiations and engagements with unions and employee representatives.
• Provide IR guidance and coaching to line managers and supervisors.

Performance & Organisational Development

• Implement and manage performance management systems, staff appraisals, and development plans.
• Identify skills gaps and coordinate technical and soft-skills training initiatives.
• Drive employee engagement, culture improvement, and change management initiatives.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Oversee payroll operations, remuneration structures, grading, and benefits administration.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking and salary reviews to ensure market competitiveness.
• Manage incentive schemes aligned to productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure accurate HR reporting and workforce analytics for executive decision-making.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Act as mediator to resolve workplace conflicts and grievances.
• Promote positive employee relations and maintain a fair, consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Manage employee wellness, recognition programmes, and long-service awards.
• Conduct employee engagement surveys and implement improvement plans.

Policy & Administration

• Develop, update, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure secure and accurate HR records and system integrity.
• Provide regular HR metrics and reports to the CEO and Directors.

Personal Attributes

• Energetic, driven, and results-focused
• Confidential, ethical, and trustworthy
• Strong leadership and coaching capability
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Proactive with strong problem-solving abilities
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines