The Manager – Human Resources provides strategic and operational HR leadership to the General Manager and leadership team, while ensuring effective delivery of core HR services. It builds leadership capability, enhances employee engagement and culture, and manages people-related risks to support safe, consistent, and predictable performance.
Job Summary
- Employer: Sandfire Motheo
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Ghanzi, Botswana
- Category: Human Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- People Strategy and Business Partnership
- Workforce Planning, Organisation Design
- Recruitment and Selection
- Reward, Benefits and HR Financial Governance
- Organisational Development and Performance
- Engagement
- Localisation, Mobility and Regulatory Compliance
- People Data and Analytics.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organisational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.
- 10-15 years’ broad HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership or HR business partnering role.
- Demonstrated experience in a mining, resources, industrial or similarly complex operational environment is strongly preferred.
- Proven exposure to employee/industrial relations, workforce planning, reward, talent, organisational development and HR governance.
- Strong working knowledge of Botswana employment and labour legislation and experience engaging regulators and organised labour.
- Experience managing an HR team, HR budget and senior stakeholder relationships.
- Strategic, innovative and commercial thinking with strong operational judgement
- Influencing and trusted-adviser capability at senior leadership level
- Courage, impartiality and sound judgement in complex people matters
- Planning, prioritisation and disciplined execution
- Leadership, coaching and team development
- Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
- Analytical problem solving and evidence-based decision making
- Collaboration across functions and cultures
- High integrity, confidentiality and demonstrates taking and giving accountability
How to Apply
REF Code: Ref 338
About the Company
Sandfire Motheo is a copper mining company operating in Botswana, specifically developing the Motheo Copper Project in the Kalahari Copper Belt near Ghanzi. The company is a subsidiary of Sandfire Resources, an Australian-listed mining group, and focuses on bringing the Motheo mine into production as a significant new copper operation in the country. The project represents a major investment in Botswana's mining sector, with the potential to become a substantial employer and contributor to the national economy through copper concentrate exports. Sandfire Motheo's operations in Botswana include open-pit mining and processing facilities designed to extract copper and silver from the region's sediment-hosted mineral deposits.
Developing Botswana's next generation of copper production
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an HR Manager role in Botswana?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or Industrial Psychology from institutions like UB or BIUST. Professional certifications such as CIPD, SHRM, or BICA membership significantly strengthen your candidacy. Mining sector roles often prefer candidates with additional labour law or occupational health qualifications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an HR Manager in Botswana's mining sector?
You will oversee recruitment and onboarding, manage employee relations and grievances, ensure compliance with Botswana's Employment Act, and administer payroll and benefits. Strategic duties include workforce planning, training coordination, and supporting localisation targets. Regular interaction with unions and government labour offices is also common.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ in Botswana compared to other countries?
Botswana workplaces emphasise respect for hierarchy and formal communication, with decisions often requiring senior management consensus. Building personal relationships and demonstrating patience in processes is valued over aggressive urgency. Mining employers particularly prioritise safety culture, community engagement, and adherence to local employment quotas.
What career progression opportunities exist for HR Managers in Botswana?
Progression typically moves to Senior HR Manager, HR Director, or Regional HR roles covering multiple African operations. Some transition into broader operational management or consulting. Specialising in areas like labour relations, organisational development, or executive coaching can accelerate advancement within large corporates.
What employee benefits are standard for HR Manager positions in Botswana?
Standard packages include medical aid coverage, pension or provident fund contributions, and annual leave of 15-25 days depending on employer policy. Mining sector roles often provide housing allowances, transport, and performance bonuses. Always verify whether benefits extend to dependents and the portability of pension schemes.
What do Botswana employers look for when hiring HR Managers, and how should I apply?
Employers seek demonstrated knowledge of Botswana labour legislation, union negotiation experience, and proven ability to balance employee advocacy with business objectives. Tailor your CV to highlight sector-specific achievements and local references. Applications are typically submitted through company websites, LinkedIn, or recruitment agencies like HRMC, with panel interviews being standard practice.
