People Operations Manager at The Edelman | Apply now!

JOB DETAILS

💼 Job Title: People Operations Manager
🏢 Company: Edelman
📍 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
🕒 Employment Type: Full Time
🆔 Job Requisition ID: JR1012882191

🏢 COMPANY OVERVIEW

Edelman is a global communications firm built on trust, purpose, and meaningful impact. Known for shaping reputations and driving action, Edelman champions bold thinking, empathy-driven leadership, and curiosity-led innovation. The company is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, creating workplaces that reflect the world we live in and empower people to thrive.

🧭 JOB OVERVIEW

The People Operations Manager will serve as the operational backbone of Edelman’s Africa business, ensuring seamless HR operations, payroll accuracy, legislative compliance, and an exceptional employee experience. This hands-on role balances local ownership with alignment to EMEA and global People Operations frameworks, while partnering closely with People Partners to support a high-performing and inclusive culture.

🧩 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

People Operations & Employee Lifecycle

• Manage end-to-end employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, contract changes, and exits

• Oversee HR documentation such as contracts, offer letters, benefits, and termination records

• Coordinate onboarding logistics with IT and office management

• Maintain accurate digital employee records and HR data

• Conduct exit interviews and manage offboarding administration

• Own and maintain South African employment policies and handbooks

Payroll & Benefits Management

• Own monthly payroll processing for South Africa

• Act as key user for the SAGE payroll system

• Validate payroll submissions and reconcile with Finance

• Manage payroll queries and resolve discrepancies

• Administer employee benefits including medical aid and pension

• Complete statutory submissions and year-end payroll processes

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation and BCEA

• Lead Employment Equity reporting and WSP/ATR submissions

• Drive Health & Safety Committee initiatives

• Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors on compliance matters

HR Systems & Engagement

• Serve as the local Workday lead for Africa

• Maintain HR data integrity, workflows, and reporting

• Support Workday updates, training, and adoption

• Coordinate training plans, recognition programmes, and engagement initiatives

• Act as a key point of contact for employee queries

🎓 QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Relevant qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in HR, People Operations, or a standalone HR role

• Strong payroll management experience

• Hands-on experience with HR systems such as Workday

Skills

• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation

• Payroll systems expertise (SAGE preferred)

• Excellent organisational and communication skills

• High attention to detail and data accuracy

• Proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools

📄 CV TIPS

• Highlight end-to-end People Operations and payroll ownership

• Showcase experience with HR systems (especially Workday)

• Demonstrate compliance, EE reporting, and labour law knowledge

• Use clear timelines and measurable outcomes

• Keep your CV concise, professional, and well-structured

🌟 BENEFITS

• Join a globally recognised communications leader

• Exposure to regional and global HR frameworks

• Inclusive, purpose-driven workplace culture

• Opportunity to shape employee experience across Africa

• Collaborative and values-led environment

📜 COMPANY POLICY

Edelman is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made without discrimination and in line with local employment equity legislation. Applications are treated confidentially, and accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process.