Smollan Hiring Now | Human Resources Consultant Jobs Johannesburg | Permanent HR Position | FMCG HR Vacancies Gauteng 2026
Smollan, one of Africa’s most respected retail and business solutions companies, is recruiting a People Consultant I based in Johannesburg South, Gauteng. This permanent HR position is a rare opportunity for an experienced Human Resources professional from a retail or FMCG background to take ownership of a full-function HR generalist role within a dynamic, people-first organisation.
🌟 1 Permanent Position | Remote Work Opportunity | Competitive Benefits Package — Apply Today.
People Consultant I Job Overview – Smollan JHB South
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | People Consultant I |
| Company | Smollan |
| Job Reference | SM-7404 |
| Industry | Human Resources / FMCG / Retail |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Positions Available | 1 |
| Location | Johannesburg South, Gauteng |
| Remote Work | Yes – Remote work opportunity available |
| Date Posted | 05 March 2026 |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Apply Now |
About Smollan
Smollan is a globally recognised retail solutions company with a powerful presence across Africa, Asia, and beyond. For decades, Smollan has partnered with the world’s leading consumer goods and FMCG brands to deliver commercial growth through exceptional people, field execution, and business intelligence.
At Smollan, people are everything. The company is on an evolutionary journey — actively building a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring workplace where every team member feels genuinely valued, cared for, and motivated to grow. As a People Consultant, you will be at the heart of this mission — shaping the culture, capability, and wellbeing of Smollan’s most important asset: its people.
Are You the Right Fit?
Are you passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting the growth and development of employees? Do you thrive in a fast-moving FMCG environment where no two days are the same? Are you a dynamic HR professional who can balance compliance and creativity, structure and empathy, people and process?
If your answer is yes, Smollan wants to hear from you.
Purpose of the Role
The People Consultant I serves as a full-function HR generalist supporting one or more Smollan business units across the Johannesburg South area. You will manage the complete employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding through to performance management, training, IR matters, and people data reporting — while actively contributing to a high-performance, inclusive workplace culture.
This is a strategic and operational HR role that requires both the technical knowledge to manage compliance-driven processes and the interpersonal skill to connect with, support, and develop people at all levels of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities – People Consultant I
Effective Recruitment, Selection & Onboarding
- Manage end-to-end recruitment processes for allocated business units, from job briefing through to offer and acceptance.
- Source, screen, and shortlist candidates using appropriate channels aligned to Smollan’s talent acquisition strategy.
- Conduct structured interviews and coordinate assessment processes in line with Smollan’s selection framework.
- Facilitate a seamless, engaging onboarding experience that sets new employees up for success from day one.
- Maintain accurate recruitment records and ensure all appointment documentation is completed correctly and timeously.
Performance Management
- Implement and manage the performance management system across allocated business units.
- Support line managers in setting clear, measurable performance objectives for their teams.
- Facilitate mid-year and year-end performance review processes, ensuring consistency and fairness.
- Identify performance gaps and collaborate with managers to develop appropriate performance improvement plans.
- Track and report on performance management completion rates and outcomes.
Training & Development
- Identify learning and development needs across allocated business units through performance reviews, skills gap analyses, and operational feedback.
- Co-ordinate the delivery of training programmes, workshops, and on-the-job learning interventions.
- Maintain accurate training records and ensure compliance with Skills Development Act reporting requirements.
- Partner with the L&D function to develop and deploy targeted capability-building initiatives.
- Support skills development planning and Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) submissions.
Industrial Relations & Poor Performance Management
- Manage all IR-related matters within allocated business units, including disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, and misconduct investigations.
- Advise and coach line managers on IR best practices, fair procedure, and substantive fairness requirements.
- Chair or support disciplinary hearings and ensure all proceedings are documented accurately and lawfully.
- Manage poor performance processes including counselling sessions, written warnings, and performance improvement plans.
- Liaise with external legal counsel or IR specialists where matters escalate to the CCMA or Labour Court.
- Maintain a thorough working knowledge of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and Employment Equity Act (EEA).
People Management & Employee Relations
- Act as a trusted advisor and first point of contact for all people-related matters within allocated business units.
- Foster a positive, engaged, and inclusive workplace culture through proactive employee relations initiatives.
- Support employee wellbeing through appropriate referrals, EAP access, and people-centred management practices.
- Facilitate team-building, employee engagement, and recognition initiatives that drive morale and retention.
- Partner with business unit managers to resolve interpersonal conflicts and team dynamic challenges constructively.
HR Administration, Data Management & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records across HR information systems.
- Compile and submit regular HR reports including headcount, turnover, absenteeism, IR statistics, and recruitment metrics.
- Ensure all HR documentation — contracts, amendments, disciplinary records, leave records — is complete, accurate, and securely stored.
- Support payroll processes by ensuring timely and accurate submission of HR-related payroll inputs.
- Contribute to HR process improvements and system enhancements to improve data accuracy and reporting efficiency.
Effective Teamwork & Self-Management
- Manage personal workload, priorities, and deadlines effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Collaborate with the broader HR and People team to share knowledge, support initiatives, and drive consistency across business units.
- Contribute positively to the HR team culture and uphold Smollan’s values in all interactions.
Minimum Requirements – People Consultant I
Educational Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related field at NQF Level 6 or 7 — required
Work Experience
- 4 to 5 years of generalist Human Resources experience — essential
- Experience must be gained within a retail or FMCG environment
- Demonstrated experience across the full HR generalist function including recruitment, IR, performance management, and HR reporting
Knowledge Requirements
- Sound knowledge of South African labour legislation including the LRA, BCEA, EEA, and Skills Development Act
- Understanding of HR best practices within a retail or FMCG operational context
- Familiarity with HR information systems and reporting tools
Skills & Competencies Required
💬 Communication Skills (Verbal & Written)
Exceptional communication at all levels — from frontline employees to senior leadership — is central to this role. The ability to write clear HR documentation, facilitate difficult conversations, and present insights professionally is essential.
🤝 Human Resources Expertise
A thorough and up-to-date understanding of South African HR practice, labour law, and people management frameworks is the technical foundation of this role.
💡 Creativity & Innovation
The best HR solutions are not always the obvious ones. Smollan values HR professionals who bring fresh thinking to talent attraction, employee engagement, and capability development challenges.
🕐 Time Management & Prioritisation
Managing multiple business units, deadlines, and competing HR priorities in a fast-paced environment requires exceptional planning and self-discipline.
📋 Administration & Process Management
Meticulous attention to detail in HR administration, record-keeping, and process compliance is non-negotiable in a regulated HR environment.
What’s In It For You?
Smollan offers a compelling package for the right People Consultant:
- 💰 Competitive Benefits Package — Market-related remuneration with comprehensive benefits
- 🏠 Remote Work Opportunity — Flexibility to work remotely, supporting work-life balance
- 🌍 Dynamic Team Culture — Be part of an energetic, diverse, and genuinely people-first HR team
- 📈 Career Growth — Smollan actively develops its HR professionals and promotes from within
- 🌟 Meaningful Work — Shape the culture and capability of a business that touches millions of lives across Africa
Career Growth Path – Human Resources & People Management
The People Consultant I role is an excellent platform for career advancement within HR and people management:
- People Consultant I → People Consultant II / Senior HR Consultant
- Senior HR Consultant → HR Business Partner
- HR Business Partner → Senior HRBP / HR Manager
- HR Manager → Head of People / HR Director
Experienced HR generalists with FMCG and retail industry knowledge are among the most sought-after HR professionals in South Africa, with strong demand across consumer goods, logistics, BPO, and corporate services sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions – HR Consultant Jobs South Africa
What is a People Consultant at Smollan? A People Consultant at Smollan is an HR generalist responsible for managing all people-related functions within allocated business units — including recruitment, performance management, training, IR, and HR reporting.
Do I need FMCG or retail HR experience specifically? Yes. 4 to 5 years of HR experience within a retail or FMCG environment is listed as an essential requirement. General HR experience in other sectors will not meet this specific requirement.
Is this a remote position? A remote work opportunity is available, making this an attractive option for experienced HR professionals seeking greater flexibility. The specific remote arrangement will be confirmed during the interview process.
What IR experience is required? You should have hands-on experience managing disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, performance improvement processes, and CCMA matters, ideally within a large retail or FMCG workforce.
Is this a generalist or specialist HR role? This is a full-function generalist HR role covering the entire employee lifecycle — from talent acquisition through to IR and offboarding.
What HR systems experience is preferred? Experience with any mainstream HR information system (SAP HR, Oracle HCM, Sage People, or similar) is advantageous.
How to Apply for the Smollan People Consultant I Position
This is a single permanent vacancy in a competitive HR job market. Applications are expected to close quickly. Submit yours today.
Documents Required:
- Updated CV with detailed HR generalist experience in retail/FMCG
- Certified copy of HR Diploma or Degree (NQF 6 or 7)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Contact details for at least two professional references
👉 Apply for Smollan People Consultant I – JHB South
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received feedback within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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Post last updated: March 2026 | Keywords: people consultant jobs Johannesburg, HR consultant jobs South Africa 2026, human resources jobs Gauteng, FMCG HR generalist vacancy, Smollan vacancies 2026, HR business partner jobs JHB South, remote HR jobs South Africa, people management jobs Johannesburg, industrial relations jobs Gauteng, HR generalist jobs retail FMCG 2026
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