HR Manager Role at Trafigura in Johannesburg | Apply now!

Job Details

🕘 Employment Type: Full-Time
🏢 Job Category: Human Resources / Operations
🏬 Division: HR / People & Culture
🏢 Company Address: Trafigura 
📍 Job Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Company Overview

Trafigura is a global commodity trading and logistics company committed to driving sustainable and efficient operations across multiple regions. Our HR function supports both corporate and unionized workforces, ensuring compliance, employee engagement, and alignment with strategic business goals.

We value collaboration, innovation, and integrity, fostering an environment where employees are empowered to grow, contribute meaningfully, and thrive in a diverse and dynamic workplace.

Job Overview

The Human Resources Manager will provide strategic leadership for HR operations, particularly in unionized and blue-collar environments. This role acts as a trusted business partner to management, driving HR initiatives, labour relations, and talent management strategies across the Johannesburg office and regional operations.

The ideal candidate is experienced in union negotiations, organizational design, acquisitions, and the full spectrum of HR programs for both white-collar and blue-collar workforces.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve HR strategies across new and existing operations

• Plan and coordinate HR initiatives aligned with business goals, supporting General Managers

• Adapt global HR initiatives to local needs and effectively communicate goals to management

• Act as a strategic business partner and provide field employee/labour relations support

• Drive strategic people initiatives, programs, and mobilize management teams

• Interpret business needs and design HR solutions aligned with Trafigura global policies

• Promote effective relations with Trade Unions and employees

• Provide metrics to measure HR program effectiveness and cost efficiency

• Collaborate with HR teams to ensure alignment and reduce duplication of efforts

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Human Resource Management or related field

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ HR experience across corporate (white-collar) and unionized (blue-collar) environments

• Proven experience with union negotiations, substantive agreements, and labor relations

• Exposure to HR in African countries, acquisitions, restructuring, and due diligence processes

• Strong background in workforce planning, organizational design, and talent strategy

Skills

• Advanced union negotiation and employee relations skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Strong analytical, numeric, and problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to manage stressful situations and maintain effective interpersonal relationships

• Proficiency in MS Office and HR systems

• Fluent in English (written and verbal)

• Logical thinking with strong record-keeping and administrative skills

CV Tips

• Highlight unionized workforce experience and HR leadership roles

• Include examples of successful HR strategy implementation and labour negotiations

• Demonstrate experience managing HR in operations and across multiple sites/countries

• Focus on achievements in talent management, policy implementation, and compliance

Benefits

• Leadership role in a global, fast-paced organization

• Opportunity to influence strategic HR and labor relations initiatives

• Exposure to both corporate and operational HR functions

• Professional growth opportunities and cross-regional collaboration

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and seniority

Company Policy

Trafigura is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and fair employment practices. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs. The company ensures compliance with labour legislation and maintains a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bias.