Specialist: Rewards & Benefits (1-year Contract)

University of Western Cape · Bellville, Western Cape

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The Human Resources Department invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Specialist: Rewards and Benefits.
The successful incumbent will report to the Director: Rewards, Benefits and Payroll and will play a key role in supporting the design, implementation, administration and continuous improvement of the University's reward, remuneration and employee benefits frameworks.

The successful candidate will be responsible for

Supporting the development, implementation and review of remuneration, reward and benefits strategies, policies and frameworks.
Conducting remuneration benchmarking, market analyses and salary surveys to ensure external competitiveness and internal equity.
Supporting annual remuneration reviews, salary adjustments, once-off payments and related reward initiatives.
Conducting remuneration costing, modelling and impact assessments to support institutional decision-making.
Providing specialist remuneration advice and recommendations to management, HR stakeholders and governance structures.
Monitoring remuneration trends, legislative developments and best practices.

Managing and administering employee benefit programmes, including retirement funds, medical aid, risk benefits and other employee benefit offerings.
Liaising with benefit providers, brokers, consultants and administrators to ensure effective service delivery and compliance.
Supporting employee communication, education and awareness initiatives relating to employee benefits.
Investigating and resolving complex benefits-related enquiries and matters.

Drafting, reviewing and maintaining remuneration and benefits policies, procedures, guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, collective agreements and institutional policies.
Supporting audit processes and implementing corrective actions where required.
Identifying remuneration and benefits risks and recommending mitigation measures.

Developing and maintaining remuneration and benefits dashboards, reports and workforce analytics.
Conducting research and preparing reports, submissions and recommendations for management and governance committees.
Analysing workforce, remuneration and benefits data to support strategic decision-making.
Participating in institutional and sector benchmarking initiatives and surveys.

Participating in HR transformation, digitisation and systems enhancement projects.
Supporting the implementation and optimisation of HR, payroll and benefits systems.
Identifying opportunities for process improvement and service excellence within the Rewards and Benefits function.

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills;
Strong financial and numerical acumen;
Excellent report writing and presentation skills;
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills;
Sound project management and organisational skills;
High levels of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality;
Ability to interpret legislation, policies and complex remuneration information;
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality;
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Requirements

A relevant Bachelor's Degree/Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Business Management or a related field;
A minimum of five 5 years' relevant experience in remuneration, rewards, benefits, compensation management or a related specialist HR environment;
Demonstrated experience in remuneration benchmarking, salary surveys, benefits administration and remuneration analysis;
Sound knowledge of South African labour legislation, tax legislation, employee benefits, retirement fund governance and remuneration practices; and
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HR information systems.

Deadline:4th September,2026