HR Assistant Jobs

The VKB Group is a modern, dynamic, and leading agricultural enterprise. For the past 100 years, it has focused on providing progressive management solutions for the changing needs of agricultural producers and related stakeholders. Its head office is in Reitz, about 200 km south of Johannesburg. The VKB Group is a top agricultural company.

HR Assistant

• Job Type: Full Time
• Qualification: Matric, National Certificate
• Experience: 3 years
• Location: Free State
• Job Field: Human Resources / HR

Job Description

You will handle administrative and clerical tasks for Human Capital services at Grain Field Chickens. This includes recruitment, skills and training, disability, incapacity, and death claims. All work must align with set objectives and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 equivalent.
• A 3-year Human Resources Diploma.
• At least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing HR environment.
• Experience in disability/death consultations, skills development, BBBEE, and workplace recruitment.
• Knowledge of Time & Attendance and Sage People Systems.
• FMCG, abattoir, or manufacturing experience is an advantage.
• Strong PC skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Understanding of South African Labor Law and HR best practices.
• Ability to speak the local language in the Eastern Free State is an advantage.
• A Code 8 Driver’s License is an advantage.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends when needed.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide administrative support to all departments within Grain Field Chickens.
• Handle employee time and attendance accurately and on time.
• Follow all documentation standards strictly.
• Adhere to departmental guidelines for all tasks.
• Work with electronic documents, shift schedules, and attendance records.
• Enter and capture large amounts of data.
• Manage administrative and HR-related questions.
• Handle your own workload and identify improvements or issues.
• Support manufacturing teams with quality resources.
• Provide data information and analysis when needed.
• Communicate with employees and management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Create and maintain personnel records in electronic and hard copy formats.
• Work with Payroll and medical aid advisors to set up new staff on medical aid and update existing plans.
• Notify Payroll of any changes to staff details that affect pay.
• Complete UI-19 and Salary Schedules for terminations and maternity leave employees.
• Prepare and send employment documents such as contracts, learnership agreements, appointment letters, salary increase letters, and job descriptions.
• Help employees with loan applications and staff purchase accounts.
• Track and update visa/work permit status for foreign employees and notify management and employees of expirations.
• Answer general HR queries and escalate concerns to management.

Training

• Support the enrollment process for apprenticeships, learnerships, graduates, and skills programs, including advertising, shortlisting, and interviews.
• Coordinate internal and external training sessions and workshops with providers.
• Arrange catering and venue logistics with the onsite kitchen and VKB Training Centre.
• Send monthly progress reports for learners to line managers.
• Arrange and finalize trade testing for apprentices with relevant institutions.
• Gather training registers from the previous month and send to Head Office.
• Compile information for the annual Workplace Skills Plan, Annual Training Review, and skills development reports and meetings.
• Assist with the annual Employment Equity submission and plan.

Recruitment

• Advertise vacancies after approval.
• Evaluate and shortlist candidates and send to HR and line managers.
• Communicate with candidates and recruitment agencies.
• Schedule interviews and provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.
• Inform stakeholders and new hires of interview outcomes.
• Complete background checks (criminal, qualifications, visa, driver’s licenses) and report to HR Manager.
• Help complete Sanlam Provident Fund documents and upload to SharePoint.
• Send offer letters and take-on documents to new hires and coordinate signing.
• Ensure onboarding and induction processes (HR and SHEQ) are complete for new starters.
• Arrange furniture transport with approved companies.
• Load/scan fingerprints for new employees on PRP for access and time & attendance.
• Keep accurate records of supporting documents.
• Arrange temporary workers/casuals for farm services, handle contracts, electronic loading, and ensure timely payment.
• Send updated vacancies report to HR Manager monthly or as needed.

Disability, Incapacity & Death Claims

• Report potential and confirmed disability candidates to Hollard.
• Assist with preparation and presentation at Disability Committee Meetings.
• Arrange incapacity hearings/disability consultations, transport for employees, schedule meetings, handle document delivery and collection, provide feedback, and update files.
• Complete and send funeral claim forms for employees.
• Conduct funeral consultations with Head Office and families for missing documents.
• Follow up on outstanding documents with Head Office and families, and dispatch to Hollard.
• Ensure Hollard disability application deadlines are met and follow up with employees and doctors.

Other

• Carry out all responsibilities according to HR company standards.
• Perform any other duties as required by the department.

Skills Required

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with colleagues at all levels.
• Good active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Thorough approach to tasks.
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management and prioritization.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Skill in setting and meeting deadlines with regular progress updates.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email, internet).
• Approachable, helpful, and enjoys working with people.
• Able to engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Quick to adapt and innovate.
• Takes ownership of responsibilities.
• Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.