Director: HR Business Partnership

Join the University of Cape Town (UCT), a leading research-intensive university, as the Director of HR Business Partnership. This is a crucial leadership role within the Human Resources department, focusing on creating a client-centric HR service model for the university. You will head the client engagement and business partnering function, acting as the primary HR contact for various university departments and faculties.

About the University of Cape Town (UCT)

UCT is a vibrant and stimulating environment where nearly 6,700 dedicated employees collaborate to maintain its position as one of Africa’s top universities. The university is committed to sustainability, excellence, and transformation, fostering a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to achieving its Vision 2030 goals. Academic and Professional, Administrative Support, and Service (PASS) staff work together daily to ensure effective teaching, learning, and research.

Key Requirements

• A Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, Commerce, or a related field.
• A minimum of 15 years of broad HR experience, with at least 5 years at a senior management level in a large, complex HR generalist environment.
• Deep understanding and experience with current HR legislation, policies, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience in establishing effective communication platforms to drive service delivery.
• Strong strategic capability, including policy and process design and formulation.
• Extensive HR management experience in a unionised environment.
• Experience in leading, managing, and developing professional HR teams within complex and dynamic settings.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable improvements in HR service quality and foster a strong customer service ethic.
• Proficiency in analysing, utilising, and presenting complex people-related information to diverse audiences.
• Project management experience in delivering innovative HR solutions.
• Experience in leading organisational change and knowledge of change management principles.
• Knowledge of various HR frameworks (Organisational Development, Benefits, Systems, Audit, Payroll, Pension Funds, Medical Aid), Financial Management, Business Principles, Business Continuity, Legal Writing (contracts), and Risk Management processes.

Advantageous Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a Higher Education environment.
• Membership with professional organisations such as SABPP or SIOPSA.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

Strategic Partnership and Advisory Leadership

• Serving as a trusted advisor to the University Executive and senior leaders, helping to shape and align people strategies with institutional objectives.
• Ensuring HR policies and practices are evidence-based and forward-looking.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with faculties, PASS departments, and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring HR Business Partners deliver responsive, solutions-focused services integrated into operational planning.

Employee and Labour Relations

• Leading the management of complex employee relations issues, ensuring legal compliance and constructive engagement with unions.
• Proactively mitigating risks in a unionised environment.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Leading and developing the HRBP team to achieve high performance, continuous improvement, and a client-centric culture.
• Ensuring talent pipelines are in place for critical HR roles.

Financial & Resource Stewardship

• Effectively managing HRBP budgets and optimising resources to provide the best value.
• Identifying funding opportunities to support strategic HR initiatives.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensuring HR operations adhere to statutory, policy, and governance requirements.
• Identifying and managing organisational risks, and maintaining robust reporting and accountability processes.

Membership of the HR Directorate

• Actively contributing to initiatives, projects, and activities undertaken by the HR senior management team.
• Participating in various committees, including subcommittees of Council (e.g., University Human Resources Committee, Human Resources Management Advisory Group, Employee Relations Management Committee).

Salary

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R1,329,295 and R1,563,876.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the UCT Jobs site. Create a candidate profile and submit your application. Ensure you complete and attach the following documents:

• Your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter detailing how your skills and experience meet the specific requirements of this position.
• Names and contact details of three professional referees, including their title, position, relationship to you, email address, and telephone number.
• Copies of your qualifications and identification document (ID).

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments. UCT may also request references at any stage of the selection process.

Enquiries

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Ms Hlubi Ntsizi at [email protected] or call 021 650 3831.

Important Details

Closing Date: 21 November 2025

Company Website: www.hr.uct.ac.za

Reference Number: 1242

UCT is committed to diversity, redress, and achieving its equity targets in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.