Senior HR & Payroll Generalist

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior HR & Payroll Generalist to take full ownership of the Human Resources and Payroll functions for a growing company within the private aviation sector. Reporting directly to management, you will operate as the sole HR practitioner, providing end-to-end HR and payroll support across two primary sites in Gauteng.

This role is ideal for a self-driven professional who thrives in a standalone environment, enjoys balancing strategic and operational HR responsibilities, and has extensive payroll administration experience. External labour law support is available for complex legal matters, allowing you to focus on delivering an efficient and compliant HR function.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, probation management, employee development, and off-boarding.
• Coordinate and manage the end-to-end recruitment process, including sourcing, interviewing, reference checks, offers of employment, and onboarding.
• Provide guidance and support to management and employees on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.Manage employee relations, disciplinary processes, grievance procedures, incapacity matters, and performance management.
• Coordinate internal disciplinary hearings and liaise with the company's labour attorney where required for complex labour matters and CCMA proceedings.
• Ensure compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Labour Relations Act (LRA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), POPIA, and other applicable South African labour legislation.
• Develop, review, and maintain HR policies, employment contracts, and HR documentation.
• Maintain accurate employee records, HR reports, and personnel files.
• Coordinate employee wellness initiatives, leave administration, and general HR administration.
• Support managers with workforce planning and organisational development initiatives.

Payroll

• Manage the full monthly payroll process from start to finish, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Capture and maintain employee payroll information, including appointments, terminations, promotions, salary adjustments, and employee benefits.
• Process leave, overtime, commissions, allowances, deductions, garnishees, and statutory contributions.
• Reconcile payroll data and ensure payroll accuracy before final processing.
• Administer PAYE, UIF, SDL, and other statutory payroll requirements.
• Prepare payroll reports and monthly payroll reconciliations for management.
• Liaise with payroll service providers and resolve payroll queries promptly.
• Ensure payroll compliance with SARS and all applicable South African legislation.
• Assist with annual payroll activities, including IRP5 reconciliations and payroll audits.

General

1. Operate across both Lanseria and OR Tambo offices, providing HR support where required.
2. Build trusted relationships with managers and employees across the business.
3. Continuously improve HR and payroll processes to enhance operational efficiency.

Minimum Requirements

1. Diploma or Degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Human Resource Management, Payroll Administration, or a related field.
2. 5+ years' experience in a Senior HR Generalist or HR & Payroll Generalist role.
3. Proven experience managing the full HR function independently.
4. Extensive experience processing end-to-end payroll for a medium-sized workforce.
5. Strong working knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
6. Experience managing disciplinary processes, grievances, and exposure to CCMA matters.
7. Proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems such as SAGE VIP, Sage 300 People, PaySpace, SimplePay, or similar.
8. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills would be advantageous.
9. Previous experience within aviation, logistics, transport, engineering, or hospitality would be highly advantageous.
10. Valid driver's license and reliable transport, with the ability to travel between Lanseria and OR Tambo as required.