Senior HR Generalist

The Senior HR Generalist is responsible for the end-to-end execution and ownership of core HR operations, including recruitment, payroll coordination, HR administration, systems, performance management, learning and development, and graduate programme management.

About the job: Senior HR Generalist

Job Title: Head of HR

Accountable to: Head of Human Capital

Based: Midrand / Hybrid


Role purpose

The Senior HR Generalist is responsible for the end-to-end execution and ownership of core HR operations, including recruitment, payroll coordination, HR administration, systems, performance management, learning and development, and graduate programme management. This role requires a hands-on HR professional who can work independently, manage multiple priorities, and ensure HR processes are consistently applied in a fast-paced environment. The role partners closely with managers and the Head of HR, taking ownership of day-to-day people operations while escalating strategic or high-risk matters appropriately.

Recruitment (End-to-End)

  • Own the full recruitment lifecycle for graduate, to senior level roles
  • Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements and timelines
  • Manage sourcing, screening, interviews, offers, and onboarding handover
  • Maintain recruitment trackers and candidate communication
  • Ensure recruitment processes are followed consistently and fairly

Graduate Programme Management

  1. Own and manage the graduate programme lifecycle, including onboarding, rotations,
    evaluations, and development tracking
  2. Create and Maintain graduate trackers and reporting
  3. Coordinate performance feedback, probation milestones, and progression readiness
  4. Identify and escalate underperformance or programme risks
  5. Ensure graduate programmes align with skills development and BBBEE requirements
  6. Structure the graduate program (some elements are created others need to start)

HR Systems & Processes

  • Maintain and update HR systems, trackers, and documentation
  • Ensure data accuracy across HR platforms
  • HR reporting, compliance, and audits
  • Identify opportunities to improve or automate HR processes

Learning & Development (L&D)

  • Own the coordination and execution of learning and development initiatives across the business (using Percipio)
  • Maintain accurate training records, attendance, and completion tracking across HR systems and learning platforms
  • Support the rollout of mandatory, role-based, and development training programmes
  • Coordinate learning plans for graduates, juniors, and early-career employees in line with career paths
  • Track training participation and outcomes for WSP/ATR, BBBEE, and compliance reporting
  • Partner with managers to ensure development actions are completed and documented
  • Support performance-linked development interventions (upskilling, corrective training, coaching follow-ups)
  • Identify gaps in skills development data and improve tracking and reporting processes
  • Ensure learning initiatives are practical, measurable, and aligned to business needs

Stakeholder & Performance Support

  • Partner with managers on HR processes, performance tracking, and people queries
  • Support and enforce performance management processes (probation, reviews, documentation)
  • Act as a trusted HR partner while maintaining process discipline and compliance

Experience & Requirements

  • 4+ years’ experience in a generalist HR or People Operations role
  • Proven experience owning:
    o Payroll coordination and HR admin
    o End-to-end recruitment
    o Graduate or early-career programmes
    o Performance Management
    o Learning and Development
  • Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practice
  • Experience working with HR systems and payroll processes
  • Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
  • Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

What Success Looks Like

  • Payroll inputs are accurate, on time, and issue-free
  • Recruitment pipelines are well managed with clear ownership and communication
  • Graduate programmes run consistently with clear structure and accountability
  • HR records and systems are audit-ready at all times
  • Managers understand and follow HR processes

Important: Please complete the assessments in one sitting using a stable internet connection. Avoid copying and pasting – the system includes proctoring features that may flag irregular activity.


Link to assessments: https://app.testgorilla.com/s/d1ryg45i


We’re looking forward to getting to know the real you, beyond your CV. Good luck!