Executive Head: Human Resource Services
Vodafone · Johannesburg
When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1.
The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa.
Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2026.
Role Purpose/Business Unit:
Responsible for defining and executing the Vodacom Group HR Services Africa Strategy across the Africa footprint in alignment with the Vodacom Group People Strategy, Vodafone Group HR priorities and business objectives. The role leads Digital HR Transformation, Employee Experience, HR Services operating model evolution and delivery of Brilliant Basics across payroll, HR systems, HR data, analytics, governance and compliance. As a member of the Vodacom Group HR Leadership Team (HRLT), the role partners with Vodafone Group, VOIS and Market HR teams to create a scalable, efficient, compliant and increasing digital HR Services organisation that delivers an exceptional Employee Experience and enables business performance across Vodacom Group Africa.
Your responsibilities will include:
HR Services Strategy and Operating Model
- Define and drive the Vodacom Group HR Services Africa Strategy in alignment with the Vodacom Group People Strategy, Vodafone Group priorities and business requirements.
- Lead the evolution of the HR Services operating model across the Africa footprint to ensure scalability, standardisation, operational effectiveness and service excellence.
- Drive synergy, optimisation and consistency across Vodacom markets.
- Ensure alignment between Group HR, Market HR teams, Vodafone Group and VOIS.
- Represent HR Services Africa within Group, Vodafone and VOIS governance forums.
Digital HR Transformation and Employee Experience
- Lead the Digital HR Transformation agenda across the employee lifecycle.
- Drive the simplification, standardisation, digitisation and automation of HR processes across Vodacom Group.
- Drive adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), self-service and digital solutions.
- Create a streamlined, simple and effective employee journey from onboarding through to offboarding.
- Drive continuous improvement in Employee Experience through employee insights, feedback and innovation.
Brilliant Basics, Compliance and Governance
- Ensure delivery of Brilliant Basics across HR Services.
- Provide executive oversight of payroll, HR systems, HR data, reporting and service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, audit, policy and governance requirements.
- Drive effective controls, risk management and operational resilience across HR Services.
- Ensure sustainable and consistent service performance across all Vodacom markets.
Data, Analytics, Partnerships and Insight
- Drive the HR Data, Analytics and Insights Strategy across Vodacom Group.
- Enable data-led decision making through trusted reporting, analytics and workforce insights.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with Vodafone Group, VOIS, Market HR teams and Centres of Expertise.
- Leverage service measures and employee insights to improve business outcomes and Employee Experience.
- Ensure alignment between Group priorities, market requirements and global initiatives.
HR Services Leadership and Capability
- Lead and develop the Group HR Services Africa leadership team.
- Build future-fit capability across HR Services.
- Drive high performance, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Create an environment that encourages innovation, growth and employee engagement.
- Contribute as a member of the Vodacom Group HR Leadership Team (HRLT).
The ideal candidate for this role will have:
- Relevant Degree in Human Resources, Business, Commerce, Management or related field.
- 8-10 Years experience in HR leadership, HR transformation or HR Services leadership roles.
Core competencies, knowledge and experience:
Strategic Leadership and Business Acumen
- Strategic leadership and execution in a complex multi-country environment.
- Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
- Experience influencing executive stakeholders and governance forums.
HR Transformation and Employee Experience
- Experience leading HR transformation, operating model redesign and digital enablement.
- Strong understanding of Employee Experience, service design and change management.
- Knowledge of emerging HR technologies, AI and automation.
HR Services and Shared Services Leadership
- Experience leading HR Services, HR Operations, Shared Services or Global Business Services environments.
- Experience operating across multiple countries and regulatory environments.
- Strong understanding of service management and continuous improvement.
HR Systems, Data and Governance
- Strong understanding of HR systems, HR data, analytics and reporting.
- Knowledge of payroll governance, controls, risk management and audit requirements.
- Experience leveraging data and insights to support decision making.
Stakeholder and Partnership Management
- Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and collaboration skills.
- Experience working across matrix organisations.
- Proven ability to build strategic partnerships across business functions and external partners.
We make an impact by offering:
- Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages
- Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
- Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies
Closing date for Applications: 03 November 2026.
The base location for this role is Midrand, Vodacom Campus.
The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.