Job Description

Oxford University Press Southern Africa

Oxford University Press advances knowledge and learning of all kinds, from a child reading their first words to a researcher expanding the frontiers of their field. Our work is constantly evolving, and the possibilities are endless. We strive to help more and more people around the world achieve their potential.



Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It is our mission to further the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

HR Business Partner

Oxford University Press is looking for an HR Business Partner that will support the Director of Business Partnering to foster partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added services and HR support to management and employees of the assigned business units. Being the initial point of contact for business, this role includes ensuring that the HR strategy is implemented across the client areas. Supporting the management teams to ensure that the business objectives are met as well as promoting HR initiatives within respective business units while ensuring that Group and Education HR policies and guidelines are being adhered to.



The HRBP acts as a business partner and liaison between the business and HR centres of excellence for all spectrum of HR activities and support in day-to-day HR operational work such as Headcount Planning, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition & Management, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Development, Organization Development, Employee Relations and Data Management.



HR Business Partner will be reporting to the Director of Business Partnering. This role is based in Goodwood, Cape Town.

Principal Accountabilities:

Business Partnering:

Partner with senior management team (SMT) and people managers of respective business units through regular meetings to understand business directions and talent needs and to provide support to drive HR strategies and plans to meet these needs while fulfilling Group and HR guidelines.

People Management:

Ensure support to HR team for smooth operation of HR activities.

Policies & Procedures:

Support HR team in aligning local HR policies & procedures with Group policies and procedures. Ensure statutory compliance to local labour laws.

Performance & Development

Support roll out the performance & development cycle including providing training and coaching to all people managers in the area of responsibilities as per role.

Employee Relations

Develop healthy relationships with staff at all levels in the assigned business units. Cultivate an open discussion environment within the organisation.

Diversity and Inclusion

: Support in developing the EE plan, facilitate the alignment of the business strategy and the EE plan, ensure execution of all initiatives in the EE plan.

Recruitment

: Ensure vacancies are filled through effective recruitment methodologies. Understand recruitment trends in the market. Identify critical and scarce skills and agree and develop a plan accordingly.

Compensation & Benefits

: Partner with the Reward team during the annual salary review cycles, incentive, and bonus plan processes. Partner on the roll out of any reward strategies and policies.

Learning and Development

: Support learning and development manager in analysing the training needs for the staff of area of responsibilities and planning training programs accordingly.

HRIS

: Review and regularly update org charts, job description of each position and support Oxford People HRA through required documentations to manage HRIS up to date for the area of responsibilities and provide meaningful analysis to the management.

HR Projects

: Take up local and group projects or any other task and responsibilities as assigned and directed by the management from time to time.

Other HR activities

: Develop contracts, HR policies and reports, submit the Conflict of Interest (COI) Declaration within stipulated time and inform Compliance about any revisions.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's Degree or B-Tech Degree in Industrial Psychology/Human Resources/Social Sciences Minimum of 5 years HRBP working experience in HR field Knowledgeable about HR practices across the employee life cycle Understanding of the HR legislative requirements and the ability to apply relevant legislation in the work environment (LRA, BCEA, EE, SD) HR generalist experiences including HRBP with center of expertise in a dynamic organisation with proven leadership skills Ability to build good working relationships with senior management team and to influence and challenge constructively

Attributes:

Proven experience to work within tight deadlines Strong business and HR acumen Stakeholder management Problem solving and data analytical skills Strong presentation skills High degree of self-management, displaying an organised and measured approach Ability to think and work independently Project management skills Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion Strong organisation skills with the ability to deal with conflicting priorities A good team player who copes well with ambiguity and demonstrates resilience Flexible to travel across the country and internationally Excellent computer skills including on-hand experience of HRIS (SAP & Success Factor)

OUP offers the following:

Remuneration commensurate with experience Pension and medical aid benefits Statutory leave Training opportunities Engaging work in a rewarding and ethical environment.

Oxford University Press, an equal opportunity employer, seeks a talented individual to fill this post in its HR Department based in the Goodwood, Cape Town. Oxford University Press will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need for transformation.

Closing date: 17 September 2025