HR Executive (Automotive Group) (JB5818)
Johannesburg North
R1M – R1,45M CTC per annum
Permanent
10+ branches | 300+ staff
Travel: Required as needed

A fast-growing automotive group is seeking a senior, hands-on HR Executive to lead and own the full HR function across 10+ branches and 300+ employees. This is a high-impact leadership role suited to someone who understands the motor trade environment, can drive people strategy, and can professionally balance the human element with commercial outcomes.

What’s in it for you?
You’ll oversee all HR operations, lead strategic HR planning, drive organisational progression, and play a key role in leadership—with strong potential to form part of EXCO.
Step into a head-of-HR role with real authority and influence across a multi-branch group. Work in a business that’s growing exponentially—plenty of scope to implement structure, process and strategy.
Potential EXCO exposure and involvement in high-level decision-making.
Own the HR roadmap end-to-end and build a strong, scalable people function

Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Industrial Psychology, Organisational Psychology, or Human Capital Management is essential
Postgraduate qualification in Industrial Psychology or a related HR / Behavioural Science field will be highly advantageous
Experience:
8–10 years senior HR leadership experience (HR Manager / Senior HRBP / HR Executive level)
Proven experience managing HR across multiple branches/sites
Proven experience managing HR for 300+ staff
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the motor industry (non-negotiable)
Demonstrated ability to lead change, implement strategy, and drive compliance across a group environment
Systems & Tools:
Sage VIP experience is essential
Strong working knowledge of HR systems, reporting, and workforce data (HR metrics, dashboards, trends)
Core Competencies:
Strategic HR leadership with a practical, operational mindset
Strong ER/LR capability (discipline, incapacity, grievances, CCMA preparation support)
Confident stakeholder management at senior leadership level
Policy development, process implementation, and governance
Hands-on, visible leadership style with the ability to travel and be present at branches when required
Other:
Willingness and ability to travel to branches as required
Valid driver’s license

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Group HR Leadership (Head of Function):
Lead and oversee the full HR function across all branches and departments
Act as the senior HR authority for the group—driving standards, structure, and consistency
Build and maintain an HR team / HR support structure aligned to business growth
Ensure HR is positioned as a strategic partner while remaining operationally strong
2) Strategy, Planning & Organisational Progression:
Develop and implement the group HR strategy aligned to business goals and growth plans
Support leadership with workforce planning, succession planning, talent pipelines, and organisational design
Drive initiatives that improve performance, accountability, culture, and staff retention
Contribute to leadership planning and decision-making (potential EXCO involvement)
3) Employee Relations & Compliance:
Oversee employee relations across the group, ensuring fair, consistent processes
Guide and support disciplinary processes, investigations, hearings, and dispute management
Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation and internal governance
Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and employment practices
4) Recruitment, Onboarding & Talent Management:
Oversee recruitment strategy for the group (role prioritisation, approvals, process consistency)
Improve hiring quality through structured processes and strong line-manager support
Drive onboarding standards and performance probation processes
Implement performance management frameworks suited to a motor trade environment
5) Payroll Oversight & HR Administration (Sage VIP):
Oversee payroll processes and controls in collaboration with payroll/finance
Ensure accurate employee data management, contracts, letters, HR records, and reporting
Ensure Sage VIP is maintained and optimised for accurate HR and payroll outputs
Monitor leave management, overtime controls, and workforce data integrity
6) Training, Development & Culture:
Drive learning and development initiatives across branches (skills upliftment, leadership development)
Support managers with people leadership, difficult conversations, and team performance
Build a strong, aligned company culture that supports growth and staff engagement
7) Multi-Branch Support & Visibility:
Travel to branches as needed to support managers, resolve HR matters, and maintain standards
Ensure consistent HR implementation across sites while allowing for operational realities
Build trusted relationships across the group—branch managers, departmental heads, and leadership

Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later.

IMPORTANT: We specialize in specific niche fields. Regret that we are unable to provide assistance for any fields outside of this scope. Fields can be viewed on our website.

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer:
Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.
Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.
Fair process: Fair assessment, only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.
Privacy: Data processed as per Privacy Policy. By applying, you agree to data handling. We safeguard applicant info.
Candidate verification: Candidates selected by the client are verified. False info may disqualify or end employment via the client.
Offer clarity: Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.
No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.
Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.