Assistant Manager HR - EM South

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced HR People Partner to support our Backoffice teams. This role requires a strategic thinker who can operate independently, take ownership of people-related projects, and drive impactful HR initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor to the business, with the ability to influence, coach, and collaborate across all levels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a strategic partner to business leaders, providing expert guidance on all people-related matters.

• Lead and execute key HR calendar activities including Talent Management, Performance Management, Learning & Development, DE&I, Rewards, and Employee Engagement.

• Support and/or lead strategic HR projects and initiatives that drive organisational effectiveness and culture.

• Own and drive talent experience moments for all employees including onboarding, offboarding and other key employee moments.

• Partner with Payroll and HR services to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee movements and monthly payroll inputs.

• Maintain and update HR policies, processes, and documentation in line with best practices and compliance requirements.

• Serve as the first point of contact for employees and managers in your business areas, providing timely and effective people support.

• Improve management’s leadership capability through continuous coaching on effective management and leadership practices.

• Lead HR reporting and analytics, including headcount management, monthly dashboards, and ad-hoc data requests.

• Stay current on HR trends and best practices, sharing knowledge and insights with the team and business leaders.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in Human Resources or related field.
• 7 years progressive experience in an HR role with at least 3 years’ experience in a strategic HR Business Partnering role.
• Experience in multinational cross geography/ matrix organisation advantageous
• Proven track record in managing complex employee relations matters and driving HR initiatives independently.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and influencing at leadership level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong business acumen and ability to align HR strategy with business goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at all various levels of organisation.
• High level of initiative and ownership; able to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; proficiency in MS Excel and HR systems.
• Ability to coach and support leaders through change and transformation.
• Demonstrates strong, end-to-end HR capability across the full employee lifecycle, with proven track record
• Demonstrates an understanding of AI and emerging HR Technologies
• Comfortable presenting to groups and facilitating workshops or training sessions.
• Solid knowledge of managing Employee Relations in alignment with the South African labour law.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE’S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR.

COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need..

OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow-through.

INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things.

TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset.

INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company’s standards.

RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all.

AT ADIDAS, WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EMBEDDING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) INTO OUR CULTURE AND TALENT PROCESSES GIVES OUR EMPLOYEES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND OUR BRAND A REAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

– CULTURE STARTS WITH PEOPLE, IT STARTS WITH YOU –

BY RECRUITING TALENT AND DEVELOPING OUR PEOPLE TO REFLECT THE RICH DIVERSITY OF OUR CONSUMERS AND COMMUNITIES, WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF INCLUSION THAT ENGAGES OUR EMPLOYEES AND AUTHENTICALLY CONNECTS OUR BRAND WITH OUR CONSUMERS.

JOB TITLE: Assistant Manager HR - EM South BRAND: LOCATION: Cape Town TEAM: People & Culture STATE: WC COUNTRY/REGION: ZA CONTRACT TYPE: Full time NUMBER: 548342 DATE: Aug 13, 2026