HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER JANUARY 2026 Job

St Mary’s DSG, an independent Christian girls’ school located in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal, is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Human Resources Manager to join their Executive Committee. This pivotal role, available from January 2026, requires a candidate with a strong background in HR, preferably within an educational setting, to provide comprehensive human resources and management support services. If you’re passionate about fostering a supportive and compliant work environment and thrive in a values-based educational setting, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

Detailed vacancy information

• School name: St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal
• Position: Human Resources Manager
• Start date: January 2026
• Application closing date: 9 November 2025
• Role type: Executive Committee position, reporting to the Executive Principal and Human Capital Board Committee.
• Required qualifications: An appropriate qualification in Human Resources Management.
• Required experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in Human Resources, with a preference for experience gained within an educational environment.
• Key knowledge areas: Strong understanding of recruitment practices, remuneration, and current labour laws and standards.
• Essential skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, capacity for confidential and ethical work, and a collaborative approach.
• Language advantage: Conversational isiZulu and Afrikaans would be beneficial, alongside an excellent command of English.
• Ethos: Must be able to support the Christian ethos and values of the school.

Simple summary of the vacancy

St Mary’s DSG, a forward-thinking private girls’ school in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a dedicated Human Resources Manager to start in January 2026. This is an important leadership role within the school’s Executive Committee, where the successful candidate will oversee all human resources functions and provide strategic support to the Executive Principal and the Human Capital Board Committee.

The school is looking for someone with a relevant HR qualification and at least five years of experience, ideally within a school environment. Key responsibilities will involve leading strategic HR initiatives, managing the full recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring strict compliance with labour laws, and maintaining accurate staff documentation. The role also encompasses employee relations, including managing wellbeing, grievances, and disciplinary procedures. Experience with HR administration, payroll processing (specifically VIP), and robust HR reporting is crucial. Candidates must possess excellent written and spoken English, and while not essential, conversational isiZulu and Afrikaans would be an advantage. The role requires a degree of independence and flexibility, as working outside of standard office hours may occasionally be necessary. Importantly, the successful applicant will be expected to uphold and support the school’s Christian ethos and values.

This is a fantastic chance to contribute to a school dedicated to providing a holistic, values-based education and helping girls build character to thrive in life. For more details on this specific vacancy, you can visit the original vacancy listing here. If you are looking for other teaching jobs, you can find a variety of opportunities on SchoolClick.

How to apply for this post

• Complete the official Application Form, which can be found on the school website or downloaded here.
• Email the completed Application Form along with your up-to-date CV to [email protected].
• Please note that only electronic applications will be accepted.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks after the closing date, at which point further supporting documents may be requested.
• If you do not hear back within this timeframe, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• The closing date for applications is 9 November 2025.

Institution details

• Name: St Mary’s DSG, Kloof
• Location: Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal
• Website: www.stmarysdsg.co.za

Questions and answers for a potential candidate

Here are some questions you might have before applying, along with advice on how to be a preferred candidate:

• Q: What is the school’s vision, and how important is it?
  A: The school’s vision is to be the leading Christian school providing a holistic, values-based education that helps girls build character. It’s very important; demonstrating your alignment with this vision and Christian ethos will make you a stronger candidate.
• Q: Is prior experience in an educational setting essential?
  A: While the vacancy states “ideally in an educational environment,” it is not explicitly listed as a strict requirement. However, highlighting any experience with educational institutions or transferable skills relevant to schools would be highly beneficial.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my knowledge of labour laws?
  A: In your CV and cover letter, specify your experience with South African labour legislation, mentioning specific Acts (e.g., LRA, BCEA) and how you’ve applied them in practice to ensure compliance and manage employee relations.
• Q: What does “strategic Human Resources Leadership” entail in this role?
  A: This means you’ll be expected to contribute to the school’s overall strategy by aligning HR initiatives with organisational goals, developing long-term HR plans, and advising the Executive Principal and Board Committee on human capital matters. Highlight any experience in HR strategy development or implementation.
• Q: Is conversational isiZulu and Afrikaans a definite advantage?
  A: Yes, the vacancy explicitly states it will be an advantage. Even a basic ability to communicate in these languages can show cultural sensitivity and enhance your ability to connect with a diverse staff complement. Mention any proficiency you have.
• Q: What are the expectations regarding working outside normal office hours?
  A: The role requires independence and flexibility to work outside normal office hours when needed. This implies being available for urgent matters or specific events that fall outside regular times. Be prepared to confirm your flexibility during an interview.
• Q: How important are communication and interpersonal skills?
  A: They are crucial. As an HR Manager, you will be interacting with staff at all levels, managing sensitive situations, and representing the school. Provide examples in your application of how you have effectively used these skills to resolve conflicts, build relationships, or lead teams.
• Q: What should I include in my CV to stand out?
  A: Tailor your CV to specifically address each requirement listed in the vacancy. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Reduced recruitment time by X%,” “Managed Y number of disciplinary cases”). Emphasise your experience with VIP payroll and compliance documentation.
• Q: Will my personal information be handled confidentially?
  A: Yes, the school has an explicit statement regarding the processing of personal information strictly in accordance with their Section 18 Informed Consent Document, which aligns with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act).
• Q: What does the school mean by “equal opportunity employer”?
  A: This means the school is committed to fair employment practices, considering all applicants based on their qualifications, skills, and experience, without discrimination. Focus on showcasing how well you meet the job requirements.
• Q: What kind of due diligence will be conducted for the successful candidate?
  A: The successful candidate will be required to provide a police clearance certificate and must be cleared on the Sexual Offenders Register, ensuring the safety and well-being of the school’s students.