Executive Director: Human Resources

In brief

Overview The Executive Director: Human Resources at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a senior leadership role focused on providing strategic leadership for the University's human resource strategy, ensuring its alignment with the overall organisational strategy. This position is central to the University's aim of becoming an Employer of Choice within the South African Higher Education Sector, achieved by implementing and aligning HR policies and strategies, and fostering an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement, and wellbeing. The role reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. What you will do * Provide strategic leadership in the implementation of the University’s human resource strategy, linking human resource management with organisational strategy. * Manage the University’s Human Resources Division, including its budget. * Oversee a full range of human resources functions, such as Employee Relations, Human Resources and Organisational Development, and Reward Services. * Ensure the implementation and alignment of human resources policy and strategy to establish the University as an Employer of Choice. * Work towards the creation and maintenance of an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement, and wellbeing. Requirements (from the original advert) * An appropriate Master’s Degree. * Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management or executive management level in Human Resources. * Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to human resources within the tertiary education sector within South Africa. * Knowledge of all employment related and other legislation impacting on the tertiary education sector within South Africa. * Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic work environment. * Experience of project management where innovative HR solutions have been delivered both personally and through delegating, mentoring and supporting others. * Demonstrated experience of successfully consulting and negotiating with trade unions. * Experience in change management and advocacy. * Understanding of HR database systems and other technological systems which enhance the management and provision of HR services. * The ability to effectively analyse workforce data, statistics for benchmarking, auditing, modelling and forecasting to support workforce and human resource planning. * Exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and impeccable ethics. * An institutional leader who leads by example and is able to foster strong interpersonal working relationships within Organised Labour. * Ability to give leadership to management and staff within the Academic and Support College environments and capably engage all external University Stakeholders. * An ability to provide strategic human resource direction to the Colleges. * Sound judgement, above-average analytical ability, and a conceptual thinker. * A champion of delivering above-average results by being committed to action, displaying resilience in the face of challenges, and diligently executing assignments. * Exceptional self- and people-management skills. * Capable and committed to self-awareness and self-correction, developing people talent, managing teams, and fostering productive working relationships. * Respect for confidentiality and trustworthiness. * Relevant business and administrative management acumen. * Capability to undertake and manage strategic projects and assignments. * Ability to provide competent, respectful, and ethical leadership. * Puts into practice and embodies the University Values – R.E.A.C.HT. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty, and Trust). Who should apply The ideal candidate is an institutional leader who demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and impeccable ethics, capable of leading by example and fostering strong working relationships with Organised Labour. This individual should be adept at providing leadership to management and staff across academic and support college environments, as well as engaging external University Stakeholders. They must possess sound judgement, above-average analytical ability, and be a conceptual thinker. The candidate is a champion of delivering results, committed to action, resilient in challenges, and diligent in executing assignments. Essential attributes include exceptional self- and people-management skills, a commitment to self-awareness and self-correction, talent development, team management, and fostering productive relationships, while maintaining confidentiality and trustworthiness. The candidate should also exhibit relevant business and administrative management acumen, capable of managing strategic projects, and providing competent, respectful, and ethical leadership that embodies the University's R.E.A.C.HT values. Deadline 23 October 2026 Reference Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/executive-director-human-resources-university-of-kwazulu-natal Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 10 years of experience.

• Project management

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