Senior Manager, People Strategy

WHO WE ARE

SPAN Digital is a growing premium software product and consulting company headquartered in San Francisco, with additional development offices in Cape Town and Guadalajara. While we work across a range of industries, we’re especially focused on technology, digital media, and fintech. We strategize, design, and build software solutions for clients ranging from startups to global brands—helping engineering teams navigate the fast-changing world of software development and deliver more effective digital products

Our Services teams work side-by-side with clients to design prototypes, launch production-ready services, and lead major product enhancements. We help SaaS companies sustain success and accelerate growth through tailored strategies, scalable teams, and industry-aligned best practices. Our strength lies in the seamless integration of expert talent, efficient processes, and deep domain expertise.

Our Product Teams leverage our unique vantage point to develop category-defining products that enable our customers’ teams to work more effectively, make better decisions, and achieve more
We’re a global, high-performing team building smart solutions for ambitious clients. At SPAN, you’ll work alongside experienced founders, tackle meaningful challenges, and keep growing—personally and professionally. We balance structure with flexibility, autonomy with accountability, and learning with doing. It’s not about grinding, it’s about thriving. If you’re looking for a place to do your best work with people who bring out your best—you’ve found it

HOW YOU CAN HELP

SPAN Digital is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated Senior Manager of People Strategy to join our growing team
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, this role will lead the day-to-day execution of the Personnel function with a primary focus on SPAN’s South African region, while also providing global support as needed. Reporting to both the Chief Operating Officer and Regional Managing Director, the ideal candidate will bring hands-on People Operations experience from the technology industry and be eager to further their career in a fast-paced environment focused on building world-class technology services and products
This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact, people-focused company and make a meaningful contribution to our most valuable asset—our people
As Senior Manager of People Strategy, you’ll partner with SPAN’s Leadership Team to implement and continuously improve people strategies that support our vision, mission, and strategic goals—while helping to position SPAN as an employer of choice

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Support and Implement People Initiatives

• Contribute to translating the business strategy, as well as SPAN’s vision, mission, and principles, into actionable people initiatives
• Support the development and refinement of objectives within SPAN’s People Strategy function
• Ensure effective communication with the local Regional Managing Director, the Extended Leadership Team, and internal stakeholders to support the full employee lifecycle

• Provide operational leadership and support for payroll, compensation and benefits, offboarding/retirement, and policy administration.

Provide Leadership, Culture, and Development Opportunities

• Champion SPAN’s principles both internally and externally, helping to cultivate a positive and engaging work environment
• Contribute to fostering a culture that embraces agility, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Lead the Recruitment function while actively recruiting new talent. Ensure effective onboarding aligned with our culture and principles, positioning SPAN as an employer of choice
• Participate in the implementation of job role architectures, career progression frameworks, performance management processes, and total rewards programs that are meaningful to our people and support retention
• Lead and support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of:
  • Learning and development programs, including professional skills, leadership development, cultural alignment, and coaching
  • Tools and processes that drive continuous improvement and strengthen individual, team, and organizational capability

• Develop and measure appropriate HR key performance indicators to enable SPAN’s leaders to monitor the effectiveness of people development strategies.

Implement Risk Management & Controls

• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and internal company policies, identifying and mitigating risks appropriately and effectively
• Support the preparation, review, and monitoring of functional budgets
• Analyze, recommend, and implement improvements to SPAN’s Employee Value Proposition to enhance its impact and support sustainable growth

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Regional Managing Director or SPAN’s Leadership Team that align with this position.

What You'll Need

Experience

• Eight (8) years minimum experience in HR functions, ideally in organizations focused on people, client services, technology, and growth
• Three (3) years minimum experience managing an HR team supporting an organization in scale-up mode (i.e. 40+ people and growing)
• Two (2) to three (3) years of proven experience Recruiting and leading the Recruiting / Talent Acquisition function for software engineering and project management roles
• Experience implementing people-focused strategies to deliver business objectives

• Experience supporting and collaborating with leaders and teams through organizational change, driving culture, and developing high-performing leaders, employees, and teams.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to work collaboratively and build strong, influential partnerships with key decision-makers across the business
• Confident and articulate communicator with a polished, professional presence across written, verbal, and visual mediums
• Highly committed to achieving business objectives by driving organizational success through impactful people initiatives
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, with a clear ability to provide day-to-day direction and practical support
• Strategic and innovative thinker, skilled at translating business goals into actionable plans and a compelling, results-oriented people strategy
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret, manage, and present high-quality written, numerical, and verbal information

• Solid financial acumen, with experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis within the HR functions

Location & Travel

• This position is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and requires effective collaboration with our teams and clients across both North American and South African time zones

• Ability to travel globally, as required.

Education and qualifications

• Degree level in Human Resources, Management, or a Business discipline

• HR certifications (SABPP-CHRP, SHRM-SCP, GPHR, etc) are desired but not required.

You’ll love it here if:

• You are allergic to hierarchical, bureaucratic, business-card cultures
• You're sad many of the greatest minds in our generation are busy tricking people into clicking on ads
• You want to work with very smart people from different backgrounds
• You are a voracious learner & an eager teacher of others
• You want to be led from the front, not commanded from the rear
• You don't tolerate intra-office posturing or other douchebaggery
• You're excited to work on a broader array of interesting, challenging projects than you can anywhere else

What we offer:

• Direct collaboration with our Executive Leadership Team and access to mentorship from experienced leaders
• Global exposure through cross-regional collaboration
• Real opportunities to grow, influence, and shape your career
• Engage in meaningful, intellectually challenging work
• A people-first culture grounded in empathy, excellence, and continuous learning
• Flexible and generous work and leave policies to support work-life balance
• A hybrid work model that supports both remote work and in-office connection
• A learning-driven environment that values expertise and craftsmanship — including Meetups, Conferences, Lunch & Learn Fridays, TechRadar Sessions, and e-Learning resources
• Enjoyable perks like Friday catered lunches, on-site haircuts, a pet-friendly office, and ping pong — it’s a home away from home
• Community involvement through charitable initiatives, plus employee awards and recognition
• A MacBook and home office allowance — everything you need to do your best work

If you think you’ve got what it takes, don’t keep us waiting. We only hire the best—and we’re hoping that’s you.