Position Title:

Director of Operations and Human Resources

Department:

Operations & Administration

Reports To:

Principal

Location:

Mbabane, Waterford Kamhlaba

Employment Type:

Full-time

Main Purpose of the Role

Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (WK UWCSA) seeks to appoint a highly experienced, strategic, and accomplished Director of Operations and Human Resources to provide strategic and operational oversight of all non-academic functions of the College, including human resources, legal and compliance, administration, IT, facilities, catering, and related services.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the College’s people practices, policies, and procedures are fully compliant with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, while cultivating a high-performance, legally sound, and people-centred organisational culture.

The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting informed decision-making, strengthening risk management, and driving operational excellence in alignment with the College’s strategic priorities.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

1. Strategic Leadership & Operational Management

Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of integrated Operations and Human Resources strategies.
Oversee all operational functions including HR, administration, IT, housekeeping, catering, and the bookshop.
Ensure alignment of operational and people strategies with the College’s overall mission and strategic objectives.
Develop and implement annual operational plans and performance targets.
Serve as a member of the senior leadership team contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
Drive organisational transformation, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and high performance.

2. Human Resources Leadership

Provide comprehensive leadership across all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, and employee relations.
Lead talent management, succession planning, and workforce planning initiatives to ensure organisational sustainability.
Ensure compliance with labour legislation and the consistent application of HR best practices.
Oversee employee relations, including disciplinary processes and dispute resolution.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture that supports employee engagement and retention.

3. Legal, Compliance & Governance

Provide expert legal guidance to ensure compliance with labour laws, statutory requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
Draft, review, and oversee contracts, policies, and all compliance-related documentation.
Monitor legislative developments and advise leadership on implications for the College.
Oversee governance structures, including Council and committee administration (agendas, minutes, board packs).
Maintain statutory records and ensure timely filings and compliance audits.
Lead legal risk management processes, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
Liaise with external legal counsel as required.

4. Operational Oversight & Service Delivery

Ensure effective delivery of all operational services and alignment with institutional standards.
Oversee vendor and contract management, including outsourced services (e.g., catering).
Collaborate with IT to ensure effective technological support and systems.
Maintain health, safety, and compliance standards across all operational areas.

5. Stakeholder Management and Communication

Act as a key liaison between the Principal, senior management, regulators, and external stakeholders.
Support high-level communication, public relations, and conflict resolution processes.
Foster strong collaboration and alignment between and within operational departments.

6. Leadership and Team Management

Provide leadership and oversight to multidisciplinary teams across Operations and Human Resources.
Build organisational capacity through coaching, mentorship, and continuous professional development.
Conduct performance evaluations and promote accountability and high standards of performance.

7. Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Drive process optimisation and the adoption of systems and technologies that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Encourage proactive problem-solving and the implementation of best practices across all functional areas.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field with a minimum of 6–7 years’ experience in Legal, operations and/or HR management.
Demonstrated experience in governance, legal compliance, and organisational development.
At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Strong knowledge of labour law, governance, and compliance frameworks.
Strategic thinking and operational execution capability.
Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication, documentation, and presentation skills.
High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
Strong organisational, multitasking, and project management abilities.
Advanced experience in culture building and staff development.
Ability to build effective relationships with senior leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Professional certification (e.g., ICSA/CGI, HR).
Experience in a diverse international institution.

What We Offer

Competitive compensation package
Professional growth and training opportunities
Dynamic and collaborative work environment
Exposure to strategic decision-making at the highest organisational levels

CAREER OPPORTUNITY
UWC Waterford Kamhlaba – United World College of Southern Africa

Career Profiles Link:
https://bit.ly/uwc-directorops-hr

Application Process

All qualifying candidates must submit the following to compete for this complex role:

Application Letter
Updated Curriculum Vitae
Three trackable references indicated on CV
Certified copies of relevant tertiary plus professional qualifications
A copy of your Qualification Verification Letter or Authenticity Factor Document

Application documentation listed above should be submitted strictly by email to:
📧 recruitment@amrseswatini.com

Closing Date: Tuesday, 12th May 2026

Note:
If you have not been contacted three weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES