Deputy Director: HR Specialised Support Services (1 Post)

, and be responsible for the following key performance areas below: Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology, Organisational Development, Human Resources Management, or equivalent qualification (NQF 9) At least seven (7) years of related experience managing a broad range of HR disciplines and leading people across multiple organizational units, including experience with organizational change Three (3) years managerial/ leadership experience Experience in institutional transformation, organisational culture and change management Knowledge of Employment Equity legislation and transformation Experience in translating strategy into delivery through plans, programmes, people, and culture HR experience in a Higher Education Environment will be an advantage Membership with the relevant professional body will be an added advantage Computer literacy, with a sound knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and Internet Technical/ professional knowledge and skills Project management skills Strong leadership qualities and skills appropriate to a management position including the management, development and motivation of both teams and individuals to inspire and secure high performance Sunday Times, 6 Sep 2026 Strongly self-motivated bringing gravitas, credibility, energy, resilience, and commitment High level communication skills both oral and written and the ability to act as a representative of the themed areas for the University in a wide range of situations, both internally and externally, nationally, and internationally High level negotiation, influencing and enabling skills to ensure priorities are met Ability to work positively with stakeholders to achieve outcomes and deliver change through people Possess a positive ‘can do’ attitude and approach and ability to work at pace Strategic and transformational leadership skills, embodying a change management paradigm

Actively support the Executive Director: Human Capital and Transformation in the achievement of the University's Human Capital and Transformation strategic goals by developing and implementing Human Capital strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall institutional strategy. Oversee the delivery of specialised Human Capital support services, including organisational development, talent development, performance management, human resource management information systems, and institutional transformation, ensuring alignment with the University's strategic objectives and legislative requirements. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of the University's Transformation Strategy, ensuring alignment with the Institutional Strategic Plan, Employment Equity objectives, organisational development priorities and national higher education transformation imperatives Develop, implement, monitor and review Human Capital and Transformation policies, procedures and frameworks, while identifying and mitigating associated risks. Manage and maintain institutional organograms and job profiles, ensuring they support the achievement of the institution's goals and required service levels. Manage Human Resource allocation, acquisition, retention, and motivation based on the Resource Plan Develop tactical plans and offer input to senior-level committees Gather and analyse historical data to determine budget values and participate in finance budgeting committees/meetings. Provide strategic oversight of institutional transformation, organisational development and change management initiatives by assessing the impact of projects on organisational effectiveness, supporting the implementation of change and communication methodologies, and monitoring institutional culture, climate and transformation outcomes Assess skills shortages and gaps among staff, and compile a Human Resources plan aligned with the skills risk strategy Ensure the Institutional Onboarding Plan is vetted and approved in line with policies and goals, supervise the plans, deadlines, and quality of the onboarding program, and establish a comprehensive onboarding experience. Manage special IT projects, ensure data integrity and system security, monitor and improve the efficiency and support services of HR systems Stay abreast of legislation, regulations, codes and best practices relating to Human Capital and Transformation, prepare statutory reports, and provide strategic advice to senior management Contribute to the overall development of SMU, and actively improve institutional culture Perform any other duties assigned by the line manager ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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