Human Capital Business Partner – SPARK Schools Support at SPARK Schools

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership and Organisational Development

• Collaborate with school and operational leadership to identify workforce needs, ensure the effective alignment of human capital strategies with organisational goals, and support the development of a high-performing culture.
• Provide strategic input on human capital planning, including workforce forecasting, talent needs, and resource allocation.
• Contribute to leadership discussions on organisational design and change management initiatives, ensuring alignment with the school’s long-term goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to understand and address human capital needs.

 Administration, Data, and Reporting

• Prepare and analyse weekly, monthly, and quarterly HR reports, including employee metrics, turnover rates, and compliance reports.
• Maintain and update the IR Database, ensuring accuracy in performance management tracking and process compliance.
• Collect, interpret, and present HR data to provide insights for improving organisational performance and compliance.
• Manage physical and digital filing systems in accordance with Department of Employment and Labour requirements.

Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Support

• Collaborate with hiring managers and the Recruitment Team to ensure accurate, up-to-date job descriptions across school operational and educator roles.
• Participate in the recruitment process and support interview panels as needed.
• Educate hiring teams on best practices in recruitment, including competency-based selection, fair candidate evaluation, and avoidance of unconscious bias.

Training and Development

• Identify training needs and recommend opportunities to foster skill development within teams, providing insights to the Head of HC.
• Develop and facilitate training on HC policies, employee relations, and compliance, ensuring that leaders have the tools to manage effectively.
• Manage employee induction and onboarding processes, ensuring thorough completion and compliance with company standards.
• Partner with school leaders to ensure training records are kept accurately and regularly submitted.

Employee and Labour Relations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations matters, providing guidance on labour law, disciplinary procedures, grievances, and dispute resolution in compliance with statutory requirements and best practices.
• Coach line managers on labour relations policies and conflict resolution techniques to strengthen their management capabilities.
• Lead investigations, draft documentation, and oversee the resolution of ER/IR cases, maintaining compliance and minimising legal risk.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of discipline across the organisation, escalating concerns to protect the company’s interests.
• Support line managers in identifying and implementing measures to enhance productivity and employee engagement.

Employment Equity and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Employment Equity (EE) requirements, coordinating EE forum meetings and supporting the submission of EE plans and reports.
• Contribute to BBBEE submissions and compliance initiatives, supporting company diversity goals.
• Liaise with the Department of Employment and Labour on compliance issues and handle inspections as required.

Performance Management

• Support line managers in administering performance management processes, ensuring they are objective, measurable, and aligned with organisational standards.
• Provide guidance on setting KPIs, conducting performance reviews, and managing performance improvement plans.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a human capital or HR generalist role, ideally in an education or non-profit setting.
• Proven expertise in employee relations, labour law, recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Experience with HRIS platforms, particularly SAGE 300, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of South African employment laws, including Labour Relations Act, EE Act, and BBBEE.