Job Title: Employee Benefits and Compensation Senior Manager

Location: Johannesburg

Department: Talent Development & Total Rewards

Reports To: Director of Talent Development & Total Rewards

Job Summary: The Employee Benefits and Compensation Senior Manager is responsible for executing the global compensation and reward strategy across Africa and for reviewing and enhancing the local benefits programme. The role ensures consistent and competitive compensation practices, effective benefits administration, and compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Compensation Management:

1. • Execute and manage compensation programmes in line with the global compensation and reward strategy for Africa, including salary structures, incentive plans, and executive compensation (where applicable).

1. • Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to inform local implementation and ensure competitive pay practices.

1. • Provide guidance on job evaluations, salary recommendations, and promotions in accordance with approved frameworks and governance.

1. • Partner with HR Business Partners and leadership to resolve compensation-related queries and support consistent application of compensation practices across the region.

2. Benefits Administration:

1. • Oversee the administration of local employee benefits programmes, including medical aid/health insurance, retirement funds, wellness initiatives, and other employee benefits.

1. • Review and continuously enhance the local benefits programme to ensure it meets employee needs, remains cost-effective, and aligns with market practice and internal guidelines.

1. • Manage relationships with local benefits vendors and brokers, and support negotiations to optimise cost, coverage, and service levels.

1. • Ensure compliance with all relevant local regulations and reporting requirements for benefits programmes and related processes.

2. Strategy Execution and Regional Enablement:

1. • Execute and embed the global compensation and reward strategy across Africa, translating strategic direction into local plans, timelines, and deliverables.

1. • Analyse workforce and reward data, trends, and insights to support decision-making, governance, and continuous improvement of compensation and benefits practices.

1. • Lead regional implementation projects related to compensation and benefits (e.g., annual salary review processes, incentive cycles, system enhancements, and process improvements).

2. Communication and Education:

1. • Develop communication materials and conduct training sessions to educate employees and managers about compensation and benefits programs.

1. • Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance to HR and leadership on compensation and benefits matters.

2. Compliance and Reporting:

1. • Ensure compliance with local regulations related to compensation and benefits.

1. • Prepare and submit required reports and filings in line with local statutory requirements and internal governance.

1. • Monitor and respond to changes in legislation that impact compensation and benefits programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional certification such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in compensation and benefits, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of compensation and benefits principles, practices, and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in HRIS and compensation management software.