We are recruiting a Principal HR People Partner / HR Manager to be based in Johannesburg, South Africa for our client which is a leading global pharmaceutical organization, recognized for its strong scientific heritage, innovative product portfolio, and unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes worldwide. Operating across international markets, the company fosters a culture of ethics, collaboration, and high performance, empowering professionals to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Salary- 55,000 ZAR Monthly Net + Annual Bonus +13th Month Salary

Hybrid Working Model

Role Purpose

As the Principal HR People Partner, you will serve as a strategic advisor and coach to business leaders and employees, driving workforce performance and organizational effectiveness.
You will provide end-to-end HR partnership across talent, engagement, change, and operational excellence, while ensuring full compliance with South African labour legislation and corporate policies.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Strategic & Business Partnership

Act as a trusted partner to the Regional Director and leadership team. Actively contribute to business strategy through workforce planning, organizational design, and people initiatives. Lead and support organizational change, ensuring clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and employee adoption. Develop and implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention.

People Advisory & Leadership Enablement

Provide expert HR advisory and coaching to managers on complex people matters including: Performance management & PIPs Employee relations & investigations Misconduct, grievance, and disciplinary processes Organizational effectiveness & change management Enable leaders to strengthen their people leadership capabilities through coaching and guidance.

Talent & Workforce Programs

·  Lead and execute cyclical and strategic people processes:

Talent Reviews, Calibration, CMS, ESOP Career & succession planning Development assignments & service awards Compensation and benefits consulting

·  Partner with HR Service Delivery on:

Recruitment & workforce planning Learning & development programs Leadership onboarding & assimilation

Local HR Operations & Compliance

·  Own and manage local HR service delivery including:

Labour relations and dispute management Performance management and exits Long-term sickness and wellness cases Onboarding & offboarding Monthly payroll input and reporting Benefits administration (Medical Aid & Provident Fund)

·  Ensure full compliance with:

South African labour law & DOL requirements Employment Equity & Workplace Skills reporting Workmen’s Compensation submissions

Governance, Audit & Regulatory Reporting

Lead preparation and support for: Annual external audit Annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) Employment Equity (EE) Report Workmen’s Compensation report Serve as key HR liaison with Finance, Legal, HR COEs, and Country Leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree (HR, Business, Psychology, or related) — HR certification preferred. 5–7+ years HR experience within multinational, matrixed organizations. Strong background as an HR Generalist / HR People Partner, ideally in Pharma, Medical Equipment Manufacturing, FMCG Multinationals. Proven experience in: Labour relations & union/employee body negotiations Complex stakeholder management Hybrid & matrix organizational structures Change management and organizational transformation

Key Competencies

Strong influencing and coaching capability Excellent judgment in handling sensitive matters High emotional intelligence & credibility with senior leaders Commercial acumen and business-first mindset Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity Highly collaborative and solution-oriented