About the Organisation
St John’s College, founded in 1898 and located in Houghton, Johannesburg, is a prestigious Christian African school rooted in the Anglican tradition. Catering to boys from Grade 0 to Grade 12 and offering co-educational learning in its nursery and Sixth Form, the school is known for its academic excellence, values-based education, and inclusive ethos. With a strong commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, St John’s combines rigorous academics with a vibrant cultural and sporting programme, aiming to nurture principled, resilient, and inquisitive future leaders.
About the Job
The Head of Human Resources (HR) at St John’s College is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing HR strategies that align with the College’s objectives and values. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, this position ensures that the College attracts, retains, and develops high-calibre talent while fostering an engaged, productive, and values-driven workforce. The role encompasses all key areas of HR leadership including culture development, recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, performance management, legal compliance, and operational efficiency. The Head of HR supports a positive working environment rooted in the ethos and vision of the College.
Key Responsibilities
HR Strategy & Culture
Develop and implement HR strategies in alignment with the College’s core values and vision.
Serve as a role model in promoting the College’s ethos throughout the employee lifecycle.
Collaborate with leadership to embed culture into daily operations and decision-making.
Lead change management and communications related to HR initiatives.
Talent Management
Lead the College’s recruitment strategy and oversee the hiring of high-quality staff.
Ensure effective workforce planning, succession planning, and resource allocation.
Develop transparent compensation and benefits structures that support retention.
Promote equitable pay practices and lead talent-related projects across the school.
Compensation & Benefits
Design and implement compensation and benefits strategies that ensure internal fairness and external competitiveness.
Conduct benchmarking surveys and recommend updates as needed to align with school goals.
Budget Management
Forecast staffing costs and manage the HR departmental budget.
Align workforce costs with the College’s broader development and operational plans.
HR Compliance & Governance
Ensure HR policies adhere to applicable laws and local employment regulations.
Engage with external legal authorities and agencies as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and compliance standards.
Provide HR-related advice to the Executive Head and Governors as needed.
Performance Management
Develop and implement performance management systems that support high performance.
Facilitate goal-setting, appraisals, and regular feedback processes.
Support senior leaders in addressing performance issues constructively.
Learning & Development
Coordinate training programs and maintain accurate training records.
Oversee annual SETA submissions.
Ensure training and development activities align with strategic school goals.
HR Operations & Team Management
Lead and supervise the HR team in daily operational delivery.
Review and improve HR processes for enhanced efficiency and service delivery.
Promote clear, consistent communication within the HR department.
Employee Experience & Engagement
Enhance the onboarding process and staff engagement efforts.
Address staff concerns and adjust HR practices accordingly.
Manage employee feedback and engagement surveys.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Undergraduate degree in Human Resources (required)
Postgraduate qualification in HR or related field (advantageous)
SABPP accreditation (advantageous)
Eight (8) or more years of HR generalist experience
Five (5) or more years of senior-level Human Resources experience, with expertise in Human Resources strategy, employment relations, and talent management, preferably in an educational, service or non-profit sector.
Familiarity with safeguarding protocols
Proficiency in Google Workplace, Microsoft Office, and HRIS/payroll systems
Experience in managing projects from start to finish and development of new initiatives
Proven ability and strong knowledge of labour laws, employment relations practices, trends and Human Resources best practices
Skills and Attributes
Strong leadership, people management, and strategic planning skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge of HR best practices and employment legislation
High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a proactive mindset
Ability to manage change and support employees during transitions
Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.
To apply
To apply, email your application to oona@actionappointments.co.za by Tuesday the 22nd of April 2025.
Send your completed AA bio form, letter of motivation and updated CV (all in MS Word format).
