Chief People Officer

Brief Job Description:
The Chief People Officer (CPO) is responsible for the development, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of Human Resources strategies and policies in alignment with SAPO’s group strategy and in compliance with relevant legislation and best practices. This role supports the achievement of business objectives by providing strategic leadership across key HR functions including Performance Management, Culture and Transformation, Organisational Development, Remuneration and Benefits, Recruitment and Selection, the Employee Service Centre, Learning and Development, Employee Relations, Employee Wellness, and strategic HR projects. The CPO ensures the creation of a high-performance culture, diversity and inclusivity in building a people-centric culture that enables sustainable organizational growth and transformation.

Key Outputs:

• Development, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and revision of Human Resources strategies and policies in line with best practice and relevant legislation, aligned to the overarching group strategy of SAPO. This output supports the achievement of business objectives across key HR functions, including Performance Management, Culture and Transformation, Organisational Development, Remuneration and Benefits, Talent Management, Employee Service Centre, Learning and Development, Employee Relations, Employee Wellness, and related strategic projects foe employee engagement.
• Ensure that union negotiations and all employee relations activities are conducted in line with best practices and applicable legislation. Foster progressive and collaborative relationships with employee representatives to drive continuous improvement and positive change across the SAPO group. Support a stable and constructive labour environment that enables organizational growth and transformation.
• Exercise a senior management leadership role that extends beyond the scope of Human Resources, contributing to enterprise-wide strategic planning, decision-making, and governance. Act as a key member of the executive team, influencing organizational direction, driving cross-functional initiatives, and fostering a high-performance culture aligned with SAPO’s broader business objectives.
• Lead and support personnel matters arising from culture, transformation and change management initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Evaluate and explore strategic internal and external partnership opportunities that deliver financial and operational value to the organisation. Foster collaborations that enhance service delivery, optimise resource utilisation, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of SAPO.
• Ensure the efficient management, control, and reporting of the Human Resources function and associated resources in full compliance with the provisions of the PFMA (Public Finance Management Act), and all applicable legislations, such as BCEA, fraud prevention and risk management frameworks, corporate governance principles, Delegation of Powers, and all applicable company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Stakeholder management which includes internal BU leaders, Shareholders, SAPO leadership and staff, unions, and external partnership to facilitate transparent communication and promote understanding and support for current and future transformation interventions.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in the relevant field

Experience:

• 8 – 10 years of experience of which 5 years in senior management level in a similar role (medium to large company)

Knowledge and understanding of:

• Greater environment in which an organisation exists
• Customer / stakeholder relationship
• Understanding of public affairs / public policy
• Strategy development, deployment, planning and communications
• Project management (principles, practices, techniques and tools)
• Organisational development, management techniques and good business practices
• Financial Management
• Value Chain Management
• Risk and Compliance management
• Relevant statutes, rules and regulations