What Jobs are available for Culture Manager in South Africa?

Company Description
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Job Description
Scope of Position
As an active member of the Executive Committee, the People & Culture Manager will oversee the day to day operation of the People & Culture Department, within Pullman Hotel's Entities. This position is also responsible for assisting with the design and implementation of the Company's People and Culture strategy to position the Company as an Employer of choice in the Cape Town market.

General Duties And Responsibilities

• Achieve the operating goals by maximizing employee productivity and well being
• Achieve the guest service objectives
• Proactively handle People and Culture Administration, directs and implements training programs
• Proactively handles People and Culture guidelines, policies and procedures while complying with South African Labour Law, union agreements and the Company guidelines
• Assists colleagues to perform similar or related jobs as needed
• Accepts a flexible work schedule to ensure uninterrupted service to guests
• Continuously seeks to endeavor and improve knowledge of own job function
• Attends meetings and training as required by the General Manager
• Show interest and involvement with environmental and/or social issues and engages in responsible business
• Ensures that the standards of personal hygiene, dress, uniform appearance body language and conduct is maintained by all employees
• Directs employees with personal problems to the appropriate support
• Direct People and Culture projects and initiatives
• Creates a positive working environment for all employees
• Meets and exceeds the expectations of employees by the effective use of motivation techniques and leadership skills to optimize employee productivity and satisfaction
• Stays up to date with People and Culture developments
• Organizing employee social and celebratory events
• Assist Leaders with the development of action plans to address issues and concerns identified in the annual Employee Engagement Survey
• Ensure compliance with all HR standards in Company People and Culture/ Human Resources Audits
• Foster a winning solution-oriented environment of communication, trust, mutual respect, and fun that is focused on engaging employees with the goal of providing the best possible service to our guests
• Actively participate in strategic planning and the ongoing development of the Company, including revenue forecasting
• Lead and support all departments in the achievement of their operational goals through effective People and Culture practices
• Lives the Company vision, mission, and values

Health and Safety

• Ensure a strong health and safety culture, directing and overseeing workplace safety programs to regulation compliance, employee awareness and an accident-free workplace guided by South African Labour Law
• Plays a role in the Green Team

Labour Relations

• Advise and assist with the interpretation and consistent application of HR policies and procedures as well as the applicable Labour Relations legislation in South Africa
• Directs and coordinates all employee and Labour Relations activities to ensure compliance with law and to control costs
• Directs and coordinates responses to union, grievances, and employee complaints
• Ensures that employees are disciplined based on proper grounds, and that proper documentation is maintained
• Negotiates, implements, and interprets union contracts
• Ensures compliance with Company People and Culture guidelines, policies, and procedures, as well as labour legislation, rules and regulations
• Evaluates employee performance regularly
• Ensures disciplinary action is taken as required utilizing consistency, fairness, and respect
• Keeps Leaders and General Manager up to date with labour laws and practices
• Drives the performance review process ensuring that these are carried out by Leaders in a well-planned, professional, and non-discriminatory way
• Determines and communicates standards of performance to colleagues
• Oversees the Employment Equity Committee
• Prepares the EE Report for the Department of Labour

Talent Acquisition and Talent Management

• Analyze the manpower and make recommendations on selection and development activities to meet manpower need
• Develops and implements recruiting and screening systems and procedures to attract qualified candidates for vacancies
• Assists Leaders in recruiting activities
• Together with Leaders, identify employees for development, makes recommendations and monitor's progress
• Develops employees to maximize their potential and prepares them for future promotional opportunities (Mentoring Programmed)

Training and Development

• Direct, coordinate and implement Company and employee training programs to promote exceptional guest service experiences
• Utilize motivational techniques to develop and implement service skills and standards
• Assist leaders in addressing departmental training needs and to develop departmental training plans
• Together with Leaders and the General Manager, identifies employees for development and thereafter recommends and develops individual development plans
• Ensure that the required training programs are conducted and keeping accurate records regarding attendance
• Improving the standards of service and leadership skills by the effective use of training as a strategy
• Prepares the Company Work Skills Plan and Annual Training Report
• Oversees Onboarding Program for all Positions throughout all Departments

Administration

• Oversee the day-to-day administration of the People and Culture Office, focusing on maximizing the capabilities of the team
• Handles requests around transfers of colleagues
• Maintains complete and accurate records
• Develops a departmental budget and business plan
• Prepares and submits periodic reports to Leaders and the General Manager
• Analyzes deviations from budget and acts accordingly

Remuneration And Benefits

• Directs and coordinates the salaries, wages, and other benefits to ensure employee satisfaction and compliance with law and cost control
• Informs employees regarding new or changing information regarding remuneration or benefits
• Analyses remuneration and benefits information and makes recommendations where necessary
• Ensures the correct reporting of employee turnover, sick leave, days owing, vacation accrual, Sunday time, night shift allowances, overtime pay (if and were applicable) and all other payroll related factors or those influencing the payroll
• Prepares information for both international and local salary benchmarking survey

Business Support

• Works with Leased Labour Brokers and Heads of Department to ensure adequate staffing levels are being maintained
• Works with Leased Labour Brokers and Heads of Department to ensure all Lease Labour Colleagues are trained and have the necessary skills to perform their job's functions
• Coordinates the Leased Labour Requisition process between Leased Labour Management, Heads of Department, and the Finance Department
• Prepares Monthly Metrics Report to initiate discussions between the General Manager and Heads of Department
• Prepares the Annual Payroll Budget and People and Culture Expenses Budget

Qualifications

• Relevant HR experience required

A leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, waterways and eco-escapes located all over the world - Mantis. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.

Job Description

We are seeking a proactive and people-focused Talent & Culture Manager to lead all aspects of Talent & Culture at our luxury lodge in a remote, conservation-driven environment. This pivotal live-in role will be responsible for driving recruitment, employee development, labour relations, and compliance, while building an engaged, inclusive workplace that reflects our values of locality, sustainability, and excellence in service.

The ideal candidate will be hands-on, culturally aware, and passionate about working in a diverse, remote setting where people are at the heart of the guest experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Oversee the end-to-end recruitment process, from job posting to selection and onboarding, with a focus on local community hiring and skills development.
• Ensure a smooth, welcoming onboarding experience for new hires and seasonal staff, tailored to remote lodge operations.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Act as the main point of contact for all employee-related matters, ensuring a fair, supportive, and legally compliant workplace.
• Manage employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Maintain full compliance with local labour laws, employment regulations, and lodge policy.
• Support disciplinary and grievance processes with consistency and documentation.

Training, Development & Performance

• Lead lodge-wide performance management cycles, including appraisals, coaching, and feedback.
• Coordinate and implement training programs in partnership with department heads to upskill staff and foster continuous learning.
• Identify leadership and succession opportunities to grow talent from within.

Organizational Culture & Engagement

• Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture, aligned with the lodge's mission and brand values.
• Plan and execute staff engagement initiatives, wellness activities, and recognition programs.
• Partner with operations leaders to ensure staff morale remains high during peak and off-peak periods.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, contracts, leave tracking, and disciplinary records.
• Prepare monthly HR reports and insights for senior leadership.
• Monitor and advise on HR policies and procedures, updating as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, with minimum 3 years' experience in an HR generalist role
• Strong knowledge of South African labour law and HR compliance standards
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills in English (additional languages advantageous)
• Demonstrated success in managing diverse teams in multicultural environments
• Highly organised with ability to handle sensitive situations diplomatically
• Comfortable living and working in a remote lodge setting
• Passion for hospitality and purpose-driven work preferred

TALENT AND CULTURE MANAGER

CAPE TOWN -ON-SITE

COMPETITIVE SALARY

Our Customer:

Our customer is an exciting, well-established name in luxury hospitality, renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and attention to detail. With a global presence and reputation for delivering outstanding experiences, they pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of service and presentation across all their properties.

They are now looking for a Talent and Culture Manager to join their newest venture in Cape Town. This role is key to supporting the successful launch of their latest endeavour, and they are seeking a driven, experienced professional with the ambition to make a real impact from the outset.

As Talent and Culture Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary, the chance to progress within a world-class organisation, and the opportunity to be part of an iconic brand. You'll also benefit from working alongside a dynamic and supportive team, in a role that offers both challenge and reward.

Job Description:

In this role you will take the lead on HR operations, supporting leadership in driving culture, talent, and employee engagement, while ensuring compliance and best practice across all HR functions.

• Manage end-to-end recruitment, from sourcing to onboarding new hires
• Provide guidance to staff and managers on employee relations, performance, and motivation
• Ensure compliance with South African labour laws, health, and safety regulations
• Oversee HR systems, maintaining accurate employee data and records
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures aligned with best practice and legislation
• Support leadership in driving engagement, culture, and retention strategies
• Contribute to incentive and development programmes that support business goals

Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or similar
• Minimum 5 years' HR experience, including at least 2 years in management
• Background in luxury retail or hospitality (essential)
• Strong knowledge of South African labour laws and HR best practice
• Proven experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management and training
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with discretion in handling sensitive matters
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform well under pressure
• Proficient in HR systems and MS Office Suite
• Hotel or restaurant pre-opening experience (highly beneficial)

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary
• Growth opportunities
• Iconic global brand
• Passionate, high-performance team

Click here to apply for this Talent and People Manager job, which is being recruited by Zhané Frankson and Ambitions Travel Recruitment, a boutique recruitment agency, specialising in leisure travel and luxury hospitality roles, and known for sourcing hard-to-find talent.

IMPORTANT

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Responsibilities
Internal Marketing & Communication
:

• Work closely with leadership and managers to define the Hollywood culture and ensure that the Hollywood Group culture is clearly communicated across all entities within the Group. Work with each entity to align how their individual cultures are communicated and support the Hollywood Group culture.
• Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams (HR, Marketing, Training) to create actionable plans that drive engagement and improve Team experiences.
• Work closely with leadership to craft compelling messaging for company updates, initiatives, and to communicate strategic priorities.
• Curate content and tell stories that make our values, what we do, and how we do it tangible to all Team Members.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent and engaging messaging across the organization.
• Develop and execute internal marketing and communication campaigns that drive alignment between Team Members and company values.
• Craft clear, concise, and engaging communication that brings company updates and initiatives to life for employees at all levels.
• Manage and optimise internal communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging across newsletters, intranet, digital signage, and internal social media platforms.
• Take ownership of planning and executing events, Q&A sessions, and other internal activities that foster transparent communication and opportunities for engagement and feedback.

Employer Brand & Recruitment Marketing

• Collaborate with HR and Talent Acquisition to amplify the Hollywood brand and attract top talent through targeted internal and external content.
• Develop content that showcases company culture, values, and Team experiences on internal and external platforms, contributing to an engaging recruitment experience.
• Ensure new Team Members gain a clear and authentic understanding of the company culture and work environment through effective marketing strategies.
• Work with recruitment teams to create compelling employer brand messaging for job postings and career pages.
• Ensure that all communication is aligned to the overall brand positioning.

Onboarding & Induction

• Partner with HR and Training Teams to ensure the onboarding process is aligned with company priorities and sets the foundation for long-term success. Look at the Group induction and individual entity inductions and how these are aligned.
• Create and maintain an engaging onboarding experience for new hires.
• Ensure that new Team Members gain a strong understanding of company values, culture, and ways of working from day one.
• Work with managers and leadership to authentically communicate our culture effectively to new employees.
• Develop onboarding content and materials that foster a sense of belonging and alignment with Group values.
• Continuously improve and refine onboarding content and materials to enhance the new hire experience and boost engagement.

Team Engagement & Retention

• Working closely with HR, Marketing and Training, lead the planning and execution of employee engagement and wellness initiatives that inspire motivation, retention, and overall satisfaction.
• Work closely with HR to monitor engagement data, implement surveys and identify actionable insights that drive continuous improvement.
• Spearhead recognition and reward programs that celebrate employee contributions and milestones, ensuring initiatives are impactful and aligned with company values.
• Collaborate with HR and Training to create opportunities for professional growth, wellness programs, and Team-building activities that contribute to an inclusive culture.
• Deliver initiatives that meaningfully engage Team Members and reinforce a strong sense of belonging.

Culture & Values Integration

• Champion the company's core values and foster an inclusive, supportive, and positive workplace culture that resonates across all teams.
• Collaborate with leadership, HR, and managers to communicate our culture effectively and embed it in everyday operations.
• Take a hands-on approach to plan and execute initiatives that reinforce company values and strengthen the cultural fabric of the organization.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, ensuring alignment between company initiatives and employee engagement.

Qualifications
5+ years of experience in internal communications, employee engagement, culture management, or a related field

Experience working cross-functionally with leadership, HR, Marketing, and Training teams.

Knowledge of employer branding strategies and their application in recruitment marketing. (Preferred)

Knowledge of culture and Team engagement initiatives and internal communications. (Preferred)

Familiarity With Change Management And Culture Transformation Efforts. (Preferred)
Proficiency in content creation and storytelling/brand management. (Preferred)

• Oversee all HR functions for 300+ employees, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and job design processes.
• Manage employee relations, grievances, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain strong relationships with unions, conduct regular meetings, and lead annual wage negotiations.
• Administer payroll and ensure compliance with UIF, PAYE, BCEA, and other relevant legislation.
• Prepare and submit statutory reports including Employment Equity, Skills Development (WSP/ATR), and BBBEE compliance.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices aligned to labour legislation.
• Provide strategic HR guidance and advisory support to managers and department heads.
• Manage performance management cycles and coach line managers on KPIs, appraisals, and improvement plans.
• Coordinate training, development programs, learnerships, and apprenticeships.
• Champion employee engagement and wellness initiatives.
• Maintain HR records and systems ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

• National Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years experience in an HR Manager or Senior HR role, preferably within manufacturing.
• Proven experience dealing with unions, payroll, BBBEE, and Employment Equity submissions.

• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EE Act, Skills Development Act, OHSA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and influencing abilities.
• Highly organised with excellent multitasking and time management skills.
• Resilient, professional, ethical, and able to maintain confidentiality.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Matric (Grade 12)

• Tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

• Strong knowledge of HR practices, labour legislation , and basic payroll processes

• Additional HR certifications or knowledge (e.g. SAGE HR , VIP Payroll , or Labour Relations training )

• Minimum 35 years' experience in HR and office administration , preferably within the restaurant, hospitality, or retail sectors

• Strong working knowledge of labour law , UIF , COIDA , disciplinary procedures , grievance handling , and HR best practices

• Experience in payroll processing (weekly/monthly)

• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive HR matters

• Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to act in the companys best interest

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills

• Matric essential; a diploma or degree in Human Resources or Business Admin is advantageous

• Must be based in Pietermaritzburg or willing to relocate

• Valid drivers license is an advantage

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage weekly and monthly payroll , ensuring accuracy and timely submissions

• Handle UIF , COIDA (Injury on Duty) claims, and associated reporting

• Maintain and monitor contracts of employment , ensuring timely renewals and expiries

• Lead or assist in handling grievances and conducting disciplinary inquiries

• Support and guide store managers on labour relations , including disciplinary procedures and conflict resolution

• Ensure full compliance with:

  • Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)

  • Labour Relations Act (LRA)

  • Employment Equity Act (EE)

  • Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHS)

• Maintain updated and secure HR records and personnel files.