Total Reward Manager

Role overview

This permanent position is based in Westville, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The organisation is a supply chain and sales & merchandising partner operating through a fully integrated, temperature-controlled network across Southern Africa. It combines technology, infrastructure, and a people-first approach to deliver value through service. Its fleet includes multi-temperature vehicles, allowing deliveries across frozen, chilled, and ambient zones in a single trip.

Purpose of the role

The Total Reward Manager sits within the Human Resources function and leads the reward and benefits portfolio. Working alongside the Reward Executive, the role is responsible for shaping and delivering competitive, insight-led total reward solutions that align with business priorities. The position calls for strong market awareness, analytical thinking, and a commitment to modern, effective reward practices.

Reward and benefits responsibilities

• Drive the implementation of the reward strategy and put the reward framework and related processes into practice.
• Offer specialist guidance to HR business partners and line managers on how reward programmes are designed, rolled out, and communicated.
• Support the creation and rollout of reward and benefits policies.
• Carry out market benchmarking to ensure pay structures, benefit arrangements, and incentive plans remain competitive.
• Oversee the job evaluation process.
• Maintain remuneration structures and ensure they are applied consistently across the business.
• Lead the annual review cycle from mandate preparation through to full completion of the review process.
• Support the preparation of salary proposals.
• Implement and manage recognition schemes.
• Interpret statutory requirements and assess how they affect employee benefits such as pension, provident fund, and medical aid arrangements.

People management responsibilities

• Allocate, oversee, and review the performance of team members.
• Plan, organise, direct, and develop team work plans.
• Encourage collaboration, provide support, and monitor performance through development plans and performance contracts.
• Coach and develop team members and direct reports.

Stakeholder and compliance responsibilities

• Manage relationships with external vendors, including benefit administrators.
• Address and manage risks arising from internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation and compliance requirements.

Key relationships

Internal: Senior management, HR team, department heads and managers, employees, and employee representatives.

External: Remuneration and benefits consultants, industry associations, regulatory bodies, medical aid providers, pension and provident fund providers, and other service providers.

Qualifications and experience

The role requires Matric. A GRP qualification would be an added advantage. Candidates should also hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and bring 5 to 8 years of experience in a fast-moving reward environment.

Skills and competencies

Strong communication, relationship-building, leadership, problem-solving, and time management skills are essential. The role also calls for proficiency in Microsoft Office, a solid understanding of reward structures, incentive plans, and benefits, plus the ability to manage projects and analyse data effectively.

Employment equity and application note

The employer supports Employment Equity principles and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan.

If you do not receive feedback within 3 to 4 weeks after submitting your application, it should be considered unsuccessful for this opportunity. The organisation appreciates interest in joining the team and encourages future applications for roles that match your experience and career goals.