HR Manager – Hire Resolve
Location: Kuruman, Northern Cape
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 28 April 2026
Closing Date: 12 May 2026
Industry: Mining and Metals
Functional Area: Human Resources / Mining Operations
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
An experienced and strategic HR Manager is required to join a well-established mining company based in Kuruman in the Northern Cape. This role sits within the mining and metals sector, one of the most critical and regulated industries in South Africa, requiring strong leadership, compliance knowledge, and the ability to manage complex workforce environments.
Mining operations are typically large-scale, high-risk, and highly regulated environments where human capital plays a central role in productivity, safety, and operational success. The HR Manager will therefore not only manage traditional HR functions but also act as a key business partner in aligning people strategies with operational and production objectives.
This position requires a professional who is confident, highly experienced, and capable of operating in a demanding environment where labour relations, compliance, and workforce stability are essential to business continuity.
Role Purpose and Strategic Function
The primary purpose of this role is to lead and manage the full Human Resources function within the mining operation. This includes developing and implementing HR strategies that support overall business objectives while ensuring compliance with South African labour legislation and mining regulations.
The HR Manager will play a critical role in shaping organisational culture, improving employee engagement, managing labour relations, and ensuring that the workforce is effectively structured and supported to meet production targets.
In a mining environment, HR is not just an administrative function. It is a strategic pillar that directly influences safety performance, operational efficiency, and workforce stability.
Key Responsibilities Explained
1. HR Strategy Development and Implementation
You will be responsible for designing and implementing HR strategies that align with the broader business objectives of the mining operation. This includes workforce planning, organisational development, and long-term talent strategies that support production goals.
A strong understanding of mining operational cycles is important, as staffing needs often fluctuate based on production demands.
2. Leadership of the HR Function
You will lead the HR department, ensuring effective service delivery across all HR disciplines. This includes supervising HR staff, setting performance standards, and ensuring that HR processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with business needs.
Strong leadership skills are essential, as you will be guiding both HR professionals and operational managers on people-related matters.
3. Employee Relations and Union Engagement
One of the most critical aspects of this role is managing employee relations within a unionised environment. Mining operations in South Africa often involve strong trade union representation, requiring careful negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management.
You will handle disciplinary processes, grievances, and dispute resolution cases, often including representation at the CCMA. The ability to remain neutral, fair, and legally compliant is essential.
4. Recruitment and Workforce Planning
You will oversee recruitment and onboarding processes to ensure that the organisation attracts and retains skilled employees. Workforce planning is especially important in mining due to operational shifts, seasonal demands, and technical skill shortages.
This includes ensuring that the right people are placed in the right roles at the right time to maintain operational efficiency.
5. Performance Management and Development
You will drive performance management systems that ensure employees are aligned with organisational goals. This includes setting performance standards, conducting evaluations, and addressing underperformance where necessary.
In addition, you will oversee training and development initiatives aimed at improving employee skills, safety awareness, and career progression opportunities.
6. Compliance with Labour Legislation
A key responsibility is ensuring full compliance with South African labour laws, including the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and relevant mining regulations.
You will also ensure that internal HR policies are up to date and consistently applied across the organisation. Compliance is critical in mining due to the high-risk nature of the industry.
7. HR Reporting and Data Management
You will manage HR reporting systems and ensure accurate tracking of key HR metrics such as turnover rates, absenteeism, training completion, and employee engagement levels.
Data-driven decision-making is increasingly important in HR, especially in large industrial operations.
8. Employee Engagement and Communication
You will play a key role in improving employee engagement and ensuring clear communication between management and staff. This includes developing communication strategies, addressing employee concerns, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Engagement is particularly important in mining environments where morale and safety culture directly impact productivity.
Minimum Requirements and Explanation
Grade 12
Basic educational foundation required for administrative and operational understanding.
BCom Degree in HR Management or Equivalent
A formal qualification in Human Resources or a related field is essential, providing theoretical and practical knowledge of HR systems and labour relations.
10 Years’ Mining Industry Experience
Extensive experience in mining HR is required due to the complexity and regulatory nature of the industry.
Minimum 5 Years as HR Manager
Leadership experience at management level is essential to ensure readiness for strategic decision-making and team leadership responsibilities.
Strong HR Systems Knowledge
Familiarity with HR software systems is required for efficient management of payroll, recruitment, performance tracking, and reporting.
Labour Law and CCMA Expertise
Deep understanding of labour legislation and dispute resolution processes is critical, especially in unionised environments.
Northern Cape Experience Advantageous
Preference will be given to candidates who are currently based in or have previously worked in the Northern Cape due to familiarity with regional mining operations and labour dynamics.
Work Environment
The mining environment in Kuruman is fast-paced, operationally intensive, and highly regulated. HR professionals in this setting must be adaptable, resilient, and capable of handling pressure while maintaining compliance and fairness.
You will interact with operational managers, union representatives, and employees across all levels of the organisation. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to navigate these relationships effectively.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is negotiable and will be based on experience and qualifications. Additional benefits may include Paid Time Off (PTO) and other mining-sector standard employment benefits, depending on company policy.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the following channels:
- Contact Hire Resolve for assistance with your application
- Speak with Menina Campher or Janoke Booysen via Hire Resolve
- Connect via LinkedIn for further engagement
- Email your CV to: Mining@hireresolve.za.com
- Visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted telephonically within 7 days. If you are not successful, your CV may be retained for future opportunities within the mining sector.
This HR Manager role represents a senior leadership opportunity within one of South Africa’s most demanding and important industries. It requires a strong balance of strategic thinking, labour relations expertise, compliance knowledge, and leadership ability.
For experienced HR professionals seeking to operate at a high level within the mining sector, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on both organisational performance and workforce development in a critical economic region.
