Head of Human Resources / Group HR Manager

A leading privately owned automotive retail group with a multi-dealership network is seeking an experienced and strategically driven Group HR Manager / Head of HR (Group) to join its senior leadership structure at Head Office. Johannesburg, Gauteng This is a senior, group-level leadership role responsible for driving the full human capital strategy across multiple dealership operations , with a strong focus on organisational development, leadership pipeline building, and long-term workforce capability. The successful candidate will report directly to the CEO/Owner and will lead the group's HR function, overseeing HR Managers across various business units. Role Overview The Group HR Manager / Head of HR (Group) will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive people strategy aligned to business growth and operational performance across the automotive retail group. This role plays a critical part in shaping organisational capability, building leadership capacity, and ensuring that the group has the right talent frameworks in place to support sustainable growth. The position operates at a senior leadership level and influences business strategy through effective human capital planning, talent development, and culture leadership. Key Responsibilities Strategic HR Leadership Develop and implement a group-wide HR and people strategy aligned with business objectives Act as strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team on all people-related matters Drive organisational capability development across all dealership operations Lead HR transformation and continuous improvement initiatives Organisational Development & Workforce Planning Oversee organisational design and workforce planning across the group Identify current and future skills gaps and implement capability-building solutions Ensure alignment between business strategy and workforce structure Support scalable HR frameworks for multi-dealership operations Talent Management & Leadership Development Design and implement leadership development and succession planning frameworks Drive high-potential employee identification and development programmes Oversee performance management systems and talent retention strategies Build strong leadership pipelines across all business units Skills Development & Training Lead the group's skills development and training strategy Ensure alignment with industry training requirements and compliance standards Drive continuous learning and capability development across all levels Employee Relations & Governance Provide strategic oversight of employee relations across the group Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures Manage employment risk and ensure compliance with labour legislation Culture & Performance Drive organisational culture initiatives focused on performance, accountability, and service excellence Support employee engagement strategies across the group Lead change management initiatives where required Stakeholder Management Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO/Owner and senior leadership team Influence and guide senior managers across dealership operations Provide strategic HR insight to support business decision-making Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or related field Honours degree and/or MBA (advantageous) Minimum 8–12 years' progressive HR experience At least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role within a group or multi-site environment Proven experience in the automotive / motor industry or dealership group environment (essential) Experience managing HR teams and leading group-wide HR strategy Strong background in organisational development, talent management, and workforce planning Skills & Competencies Strategic HR leadership and business partnering Organisational development and workforce planning Leadership development and succession planning Talent management and performance optimisation Employee relations and HR governance Change management and culture transformation Strong business acumen and commercial understanding Excellent communication skills in English and Afrikaans (fluency required) Ability to operate in a fast-paced automotive retail environment Personal Attributes Strong strategic thinker with execution capability High level of integrity and confidentiality Strong leadership presence and influencing ability Passion for people development and organisational growth Resilient, adaptable, and performance-driven Ability to work across multiple stakeholders and business units Reporting Structure Reports directly to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Forms part of: Senior Leadership Team at Head Office Oversees: Group HR function and HR Managers across dealership operations