Director of People

**Position Summary**

This position reports to the Vice President of People & Culture (VPPC) and will be responsible for leading and managing the People & Culture Team in Cape Town. This individual will take ownership of human resource functions in South Africa, support human resource functions in other locations across the globe, and assist the Vice President with ad hoc initiatives across the group. This individual will be a member of the Cape Town site leadership team, and will facilitate the adherence of managers and employees to HR-focused activities, policies, processes and procedures in accordance with the local legislation. This role will also lead a team that is responsible for the maintenance of HR-related administration and management of day to day operations, policies, and/or programs.
- NOTE: the employee shall not be a Director in terms of the South African Companies Act (note, that a senior employee may nevertheless be a 'prescribed offer' depending on his duties which would impose certain obligations in terms of the Companies Act)._

**Responsibilities**
- Headof People and Culture in Cape Town.
- Participate with senior management in developing and establishing goals and objectives to support all people functions at the Cape Town site.
- Partner with the Manager of People & Culture, Cape Town on front line support for recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day human resource functions for our Cape Town employees.
- Provide strong leadership and guidance to department managers and the broader Cape Town teams.
- Partner with VP People & Culture to support the people and culture/human resource functions in the United States, United Kingdom, China, and future locations.
- Partner with VP People and Culture, Leadership, and Cape Town legal counsel to deliver an exceptional Employee Relations and Compliance program supporting employees in accordance with the South African Labour Legislation, Employee Handbook, various reporting obligations, and required legal notifications and submissions.
- Partner with the VP People and Culture to promote, and implement a People Strategy aligned to the organisation's current needs and future growth objectives.
- Support the strategic management processes, including hiring, succession planning & promotion, professional development, and training.
- Support of performance management, goal setting, quarterly reviews, and ad hoc opportunities for improvement and coaching.
- Support programs that drive a positive culture and Employee Engagement through onboarding programs, rewards and recognition programs, and the goal-setting and quarterly review process.
- Improve and maintain HR policies, SOPS and necessary HR documents. Ensure adherence of policies and provide the training/ support to the organisation.

**Skills and Requirements**

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines and work without supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team.
- Good communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative.
- Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
- A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving.
- Experience with compensation and benefits aspect of human resources with proven success metrics.
- Knowledge of and experience with various human resource information systems.

**Education and Experience**
- A Bachelor's degree is required, Masters preferred, with minimum 15 years experience.
- HR certification preferred.
- Experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable.

**Application Procedure**
- Letter of motivation
- Resume or _Curriculum vitae_, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

**_ WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER_**
- Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law._
- All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa._