HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES

HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES 2025

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record and an excellent reputation in sport, music, drama, art and debating.

St John’s College is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Head of Human Resources to lead and elevate the HR function. This is a key executive position, reporting into the Executive Headmaster, that requires an individual with extensive experience in Human Resources strategy, talent management, and driving operational excellence.

As the Head of Human Resources, the ideal candidate will be responsible for shaping and executing Human Resource policies, processes and initiatives at an Executive level that aligns with the School’s motto, values and vision, ensuring a positive, efficient, and high-performing workplace for our staff.

Main Responsibilities

• As a member of the School’s Executive team, design and implement HR strategy, plans and policies that are aligned with the School’s values and objectives and collaborate with the Heads in identifying HR needs in their spaces
• Use HR data to inform decisions and optimise initiatives
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture promoting collaboration and employee morale
• Lead talent acquisition, retention, and performance management strategies
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and empower school management to uphold policies
• Identify and mitigate HR-related risks
• Address concerns, conflicts, and ensure fair policy application
• Oversee initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being
• Manage competitive compensation programmes aligned with budget, strategy and priorities
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Oversee the HR Sub-Committee’s work and prepare reports
• Lead the implementation of the strategic initiatives and policy implementation approved by the HR sub-committee
• Guide the HR team in delivering initiatives and fostering service and excellence
• Stay current with HR trends through continuous learning and networking

Minimum requirements

• Qualifications
  • Postgraduate qualification in Human Resources Management or other relevant area
  • SABPP accreditation advantageous

• Experience
  • Eight (8) or more years of Human resource generalist experience
  • Five (5) or more years of senior-level Human Resources experience, with expertise in Human Resources strategy, employment relations, and talent management, preferably in an educational, service or non-profit industry
  • Experience in managing projects from start to finish and development of new initiatives
  • Proven ability and strong knowledge of labour laws, employment relations practices, trends and Human Resources best practices

Behavioural Success Factors

• Strategic focus: Align HR strategies with the School’s strategic objectives, driving excellence and service
• Collaboration: Build cross-functional relationships to ensure HR initiatives meet the School’s needs
• Adaptability: Continuously innovate HR practices to adapt to changing priorities and workforce dynamics
• Leadership: Lead HR initiatives with vision and integrity, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Change management: Guide and implement HR-driven change across the School effectively
• Integrity: Make ethical, transparent decisions that build trust and uphold professionalism
• Problem solving: Approach challenges with a solutions-focused mindset and use critical thinking and collaboration to address complex HR challenges
• Emotional Intelligence: Foster a respectful, inclusive workplace by managing relationships with fairness and resilience

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this position by completing this link Job Application - Head of Human Resources by no later than close of business, Friday, 24 January 2025.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application

St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.