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Job Title
Manager: Human Resource Business Partners (post level 6) (Job ID 6564)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations -> Human Resources
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Middle Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus – Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
14/8/2026
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll – Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) function in support of the University’s strategic objectives.
• Partner with Executive Management to develop and implement integrated human capital strategies across faculties and support divisions.
• Lead workforce planning, organisational design, organisational development, talent management, succession planning, and change management initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice and evidence-based recommendations on complex human capital, workforce, governance, and employee relations matters.
• Lead and manage the HR Business Partner team to ensure high-quality, client-centred service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Drive organisational effectiveness through workforce analytics, performance monitoring, and strategic human capital interventions.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of HR policies, governance frameworks, and compliance with employment legislation.
• Lead institutional HR risk management and provide strategic oversight of employee and labour relations matters.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Executive Management, Deans, Executive Directors, Directors, and Heads of Department.
• Lead strategic HR projects, digital transformation initiatives, benchmarking, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Prepare and present strategic reports, workforce analytics, and recommendations to Executive Management and governance structures.
• Manage the operational and financial resources of the HR Business Partner function.
Inherent requirements:
• An Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ relevant Human Resources experience.
Recommendations:
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Registration with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) as a Chartered HR Professional (CHRP) or equivalent professional designation (attach a copy).
• Experience in the higher education sector.
• Experience providing strategic advice to Executive Management.
• Experience leading organisational design, organisational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives.
• Knowledge of employment legislation, HR governance, and institutional policy development.
• Experience in strategic workforce analytics and evidence-based decision-making.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
– The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
– The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
– The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
– The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
– The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
– Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
– The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
– The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
– The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
– The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties:
1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date:
14 August 2026
Salary:
The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email jardines@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.az.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 9813 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.