Department Description / Departement Beskrywing Chief People Officer Ref. STP/125/0526 Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications for the position of Chief People Officer (CPO). As a globally connected, research‑intensive institution, SU advances knowledge in service of society and strives to be Africa's leading research‑intensive university and Africa's first Top 100 global university. Guided by Vision 2040 and the Strategy Plan 2026‑2030, SU recognises that its people, culture, and transformation agenda are central to achieving its institutional ambitions and sustaining long‑term impact. Reporting directly to the Rector and Vice‑Chancellor, the CPO serves as the University's chief people and culture executive, responsible for providing integrated strategic leadership across the domains of people management, organisational culture, and transformation. The role represents a fundamental evolution in the University's leadership approach, positioning human and cultural capital as a cohesive and strategic driver of institutional success. Responsibilities Providing strategic leadership for the integration of people, transformation, and culture to support the University's vision and strategic priorities, aligned with institutional objectives and Vision 2040. Leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive People, Transformation and Culture Strategy aligned with Vision 2040. Serving as principal advisor to the Rector and Rectorate on matters relating to organisational culture, transformation, and human capital. Driving the institutional transformation agenda, ensuring accountability, measurable progress, and alignment across Faculties and Responsibility Centres. Shaping and embedding a values‑driven institutional culture that promotes inclusivity, belonging, ethical conduct, and excellence. Overseeing the Human Resources function to ensure effective, compliant, and strategically aligned people management practices. Leading the development and implementation of integrated and strategic talent management frameworks and organisational design, including recruitment, development, retention, succession planning, reward, and recognition. Advancing Employment Equity and inclusive practices, with a focus on equitable representation and fair, responsive recruitment, promotion, and talent management. Contributing to the enhancement of BBB‑EE objectives in collaboration with the executive management team. Driving employee wellbeing, including psychosocial support, wellness, and a healthy, enabling work environment. Driving organisational change and embedding change management as a core institutional capability. Building and strengthening strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government, professional bodies, and sector partners. Representing the University at national and international forums on people, transformation, and organisational development, where appropriate. Leading and developing high‑performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Qualifications A relevant Master's degree (NQF 9 or equivalent) in Human Resource Management, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. At least ten (10) years' relevant senior executive leadership experience, with at least five (5) years' strategic and operational management experience within higher education or a similarly complex public or corporate environment. Understanding of the South African higher education landscape, governance systems, and transformation imperatives. A proven track record in leading large‑scale organisational change, culture transformation, and HR strategy execution in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments. Demonstrated experience in advancing transformation, employment equity, and inclusive organisational cultures, with evidence of measurable impact. Strong strategic leadership capability and systems thinking, with the ability to integrate people, culture, and transformation into institutional strategy. Strong financial acumen, including budget planning, resource optimisation, and business case development. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive, governance, and Council levels. High levels of emotional intelligence, professional judgement, and discretion. Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills in diverse and multilingual environments. The ability to function effectively within a multilingual and multicultural environment. Strong analytical capability, including the ability to interpret people analytics and institutional data to inform strategic decision‑making. Demonstrated coaching and mentoring capability to build leadership capacity across the institution. Understanding of South African labour legislation. Registration with a recognised relevant professional body will be advantageous. A relevant postgraduate qualification (PhD or equivalent) will be advantageous. Term of Office The appointment is for a five (5) year fixed term with the possibility of reappointment for further terms. A successful candidate currently holding an academic appointment may, where applicable and subject to applicable University policies, be appointed to an academic rank and return to a relevant Faculty at the end of the term of office. College Commitment The University is committed to the advancement of diversity and employment equity. #J-18808-Ljbffr