National People Operations Manager

Econofoods is a fast-growing FMCG Retail company specializing in frozen foods. Dedicated to delivering high-quality products at unbeatable prices, we prioritize customer satisfaction every single day. Our commitment to excellence, simplicity and our vibrant colourful people working at Econofoods sets us apart in the industry. Central to our identity is our unique HO HOLA Culture, characterized by appreciation and recognition. We celebrate the contribution of every individual and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, collaborating with a diverse team, and embracing continuous learning and growth, Econofoods could be the perfect fit for you. Join us in our mission to provide quality products, value, and service to our customers, every single day. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The National People Operations Manager leads the delivery of all People Operations processes across the organisation. This role drives excellence in recruitment, learning & development, employee relations, performance management, and HR governance across all business units. The role ensures consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency while enabling a high-performance, values-driven culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. People Operations Leadership

• Drive the People Ops strategy in alignment with business priorities and culture initiatives.
• Lead the national People Ops team and ensure aligned execution of HR practices across all regions.
• Drive the People Ops strategy in alignment with business priorities and culture initiatives.
• Ensure Line Leaders receive accurate, timely People Ops support to enable operational success.

• Partner with business leaders to support growth, productivity, organisational effectiveness, and leadership capability.
• Drive People Ops alignment across Retail, Logistics, Production, B2B, and Central Office environments (where applicable).

2. Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop regional and site-based People Operations teams.
• Ensure clear role clarity, capacity planning, and performance management within the People Ops function.
• Build strong capability across the team in recruitment, IR, performance management, employee engagement and company culture.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and a service-oriented People Ops culture.

3. Recruitment, Workforce Planning & Talent Management

• Oversee workforce planning process, aligned to business demand and budget.
• Oversee recruitment strategy, quality of hire, time-to-fill, and succession pipelines.
• Ensure consistent recruitment standards, tools, and assessment practices across the business.
• Partner with leadership on succession planning, leadership development, and critical role coverage.

4. Employee Relations & Labour Relations

• Provide oversight and escalation support on complex employee and labour relations matters.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and performance management processes.
• Support organisational changes, restructures, and retrenchment consultations when required.

5. Performance Management, Rewards & Recognition

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of performance management frameworks.
• Drive pay equity, maintain role grading integrity, and reward governance.
• Support meaningful recognition practices that reinforce desired behaviours and culture.

6. Learning & Development, Capability & Leadership Development

• Lead the implementation of national training programs, including leadership, compliance, and skills development.
• Support the School of Excellence and SETA learning initiatives.
• Monitor training effectiveness, workplace application, and make recommendations on ROI.
• Support the design and rollout of national learning and development initiatives.
• Ensure leadership development programs are aligned to organisational values and capability needs.
• Promote a continuous learning culture across all levels of the business.

7. Policy, Governance & Legislative Compliance

• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, SDA, OHSA) and internal policies.
• Oversee the development, review, and consistent application of People Ops policies and procedures.
• Ensure strong People Ops governance, audits, and risk mitigation practices.

8. People Data, Insights & Reporting

• Own national People Operations metrics, reporting, and dashboards (e.g. turnover, vacancies, IR cases, training, engagement).
• Use people data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Prepare people-related inputs for People Operations Executive.
• Drive continuous improvement through evidence-based People Ops practices.

9. Culture, Engagement & Change Management

• Champion organisational culture, values, and employee engagement nationally.
• Embed company values (e.g., HO HOLA culture) into People Ops practices.
• Lead initiatives that enhance engagement, retention, and employee experience.

KEY SUCCESS METRICS (KPI’S):

1. Quality of hire, workforce stability, reduce turnover and capability growth.
2. Leadership Development and Learning and Development program execution.
3. Leadership satisfaction and effectiveness of People Ops partnering.
4. Employee engagement and culture indicators.
5. Compliance and governance outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• HR / Industrial Psychology / Business Degree (Honours advantageous).
• 7–10 years HR generalist experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial role – leading a HR team.
• Experience in retail, FMCG, manufacturing, supply chain, or multi-site environments strongly preferred
• Proven experience in a national, multi-site or distributed environment.
• Experience leading a team of People Operations and working with Senior leadership teams.
• Proven experience representing organisations at CCMA and/or bargaining councils.
• Exposure to change management.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, aligned to the HO HOLA values.
• Friendly, helpful, confident, humble, and team-oriented with strong emotional intelligence.
• Deep knowledge of South African labour law and People Ops (HR) best practice.
• Proven ability to lead multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and executive presence.
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving.
• Change leadership and resilience.
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgement.
• Ability to operate in a competitive, high-pressure, dynamic retail environment.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and execution skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to influence and build trust.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and strong administrative capability.
• Demonstrates integrity, ownership, resilience, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
• Willingness to travel.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are passionate about this position and possess the skills and experience to excel in this role, we invite you to join our team. Interested candidates should submit their application through this application portal. 

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the team.

CLOSING DATE               

19 DECEMBER 2025

Join us in shaping the future of Econofoods!     

By submitting your application, you are giving Econofoods implicit consent to the storage and processing of your personal information. Econofoods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you not receive a response within 4 weeks of your application, please consider your application to be unsuccessful