People Partner & Operations Manager

As the People Partnering & Operations Manager at Lula, you will be a strategic and hands-on leader, shaping an exceptional employee experience. You will partner with leaders and employees to build a supportive, high-performing environment aligned with Lula's values and business objectives. This role focuses on continuous improvement and operational excellence, aiming to enhance employee satisfaction, retention, streamline operations, and effectively execute initiatives that foster engagement and productivity.

Must Have

• Lead the People Partnering and Operations unit to be a well-functioning, collaborative, and trusted team
• Be a trusted people business partner and coach to the leadership team
• Oversee all aspects of People operations, including payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and HRIS management
• Develop and maintain People guidelines and procedures
• Address and resolve employee relations issues in accordance with labour law and culture
• Foster a positive workplace culture that aligns with Lula’s values
• Oversee and coordinate performance management processes
• Lead department and team specific engagement and retention efforts
• Collect, analyse, and report on People metrics and trends
• Bachelor's or Honours degree in Industrial Psychology, Human Resource or a related field
• 4+ years of relevant working experience as a People Partner, HR Manager or similar role
• Hands-on experience with various HR initiatives
• Knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
• Experience in data analysis
• Deep knowledge of South African labour law and compliance requirements

ROLE PURPOSE

As the People Partnering & Operations Manager, you will be a strategic and hands-on leader who contributes towards shaping an exceptional employee experience across Lula. You will partner closely with leaders and employees to build a supportive and high-performing environment that aligns with Lula's values and business objectives, focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Success will be measured by enhanced employee satisfaction, optimal retention rates, streamlined operations, and the effective execution of initiatives that enhance employee performance, and foster employee engagement and productivity.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the People Partnering and Operations unit within the People function to be a well functioning, collaborative and trusted team within Lula.
• Be a trusted people business partner and coach to the leadership team regarding all employee related matters.
• Oversees all aspects of People operations, including payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and HRIS management, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain People guidelines and procedures to provide clarity, consistency and accountability across the business.
• Address and resolve employee relations issues, in accordance with labour law and Lula’s culture.
• Foster a positive workplace culture that aligns with Lula’s values and promotes inclusion and belonging.
• Oversees and coordinates performance management processes, fostering development and performance excellence.
• Lead department and team specific engagement and retention efforts in collaboration with the People & Culture Experience Specialist to motivate high-performing team members.
• Collect, analyse, and report on People metrics and trends to identify areas for improvement and guide strategic decision-making

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A Bachelor's or Honours degree in Industrial Psychology, Human Resource or a related field is required.
• 4+ years of relevant working experience as a People Partner, HR Manager or similar role.
• Hands-on experience with various HR initiatives, such as employee engagement surveys, implementing HR systems, talent management, benefits administration, and employee relations.
• Knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems and a proven ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Experience in data analysis to interpret HR data and make informed decisions.
• Deep knowledge of South African labour law and compliance requirements.