Merensky Timber Vacancies 2026 – HR Administrator and HR Officer Positions Open

Merensky Timber

Merensky Timber invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for exciting Human Resources opportunities within its forestry and sawmilling operations. Applications are currently open for the positions of HR Administrator at Langeni Sawmill in the Eastern Cape and HR Officer at Northern Timbers in Tzaneen, Limpopo. These full-time operational roles present excellent career opportunities for experienced HR professionals seeking to work within a unionised operational environment focused on forestry, timber production, and workforce support.

Positions Available at Merensky Timber
1. HR Administrator

Location: Langeni Sawmill, Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 25 May 2026

2. HR Officer

Location: Tzaneen, Northern Timbers (On-Site)
Closing Date: 27 May 2026

Candidates with strong HR administration experience, labour relations knowledge, and operational HR skills are encouraged to apply before the specified closing dates.

  • Position: HR Administrator
  • Location: Langeni Sawmill, Eastern Cape
Position Overview

The HR Administrator role is based at Langeni Sawmill in the Eastern Cape and supports the Matiwane Forestry operations. The successful candidate will provide efficient and reliable HR administrative and operational support to employees, supervisors, and management teams across the forestry operations.

This position is ideal for an organised, dependable, and people-focused professional capable of handling multiple HR functions within a fast-paced and unionised workplace environment. The role requires regular interaction with operational teams, employees, line management, and supervisors while supporting workforce stability and operational effectiveness.

The position contributes toward maintaining a responsive, compliant, and service-driven HR function aligned with operational goals and workplace standards.

Key Responsibilities

The HR Administrator will assist with several HR-related functions, including:

  • Recruitment administration and onboarding support
  • Employee relations administration
  • Payroll support and employee records management
  • Labour relations administration
  • HR systems administration
  • Provident fund claims and administrative support
  • Employee documentation and filing
  • General HR operational support
  • Supporting supervisors and line management with HR processes
  • Maintaining compliance with labour legislation and company procedures

The successful candidate will also contribute positively toward building a professional, respectful, and accountable workplace culture aligned with organisational values and operational standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess the following qualifications:

  • Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
  • HR Degree or HR Diploma
Experience Requirements

Suitable candidates should have:

  • Minimum of 2 to 3 years practical HR administration experience
  • Experience within an operational or unionised environment
  • Exposure to employee engagement and labour relations processes
  • Experience within forestry, manufacturing, industrial, or operational environments will be advantageous
Required Knowledge and Skills

The role requires strong HR administration knowledge together with labour legislation awareness. Important competencies include:

  • Understanding of South African labour legislation including BCEA, LRA, Employment Equity Act, and COIDA
  • Good labour relations knowledge
  • Understanding of HR administration and employee processes
  • Knowledge of provident fund administration procedures
  • Experience using D365 or similar ERP systems
  • Strong organisational and communication skills
  • Attention to detail and good time management abilities
  • Conflict management and negotiation skills
  • Report writing and presentation abilities
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Professionalism, integrity, and service orientation
Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is someone who:

  • Demonstrates professionalism and accountability
  • Builds positive workplace relationships
  • Works effectively independently and within teams
  • Maintains strong organisational standards
  • Shows willingness to learn and improve continuously
  • Contributes positively to workplace culture
  • Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in HR matters
Application Process

Applications for the HR Administrator position must include:

  • Updated CV
  • Persuasive cover letter highlighting relevant experience

Applications should be sent to:

Ntsaphokazi Mankwente-Ntshele
Email: ntsaphokazim@merensky.co.za

Closing Date

Applications close on 25 May 2026.

Candidates who do not receive feedback within two weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

  • Position: HR Officer
  • Location: Northern Timbers, Tzaneen
Position Overview

Tzaneen based Northern Timbers operations invite interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the HR Officer position. This role focuses on supporting workforce management within a unionised forestry and sawmilling environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for labour relations, operational HR support, workforce discipline, employee administration, compliance processes, and skills development support. Daily interaction with line management, unions, employees, and operational teams forms part of this operational role.

This position is suitable for an experienced HR professional with strong industrial relations knowledge and practical operational HR experience.

Main Responsibilities

The HR Officer will support the business through:

  • Effective labour and employee relations practices
  • Consistent and fair application of workplace policies
  • Workforce discipline and compliance processes
  • HR administration and accurate employee records management
  • Employment equity and skills development support
  • Performance management support
  • Supporting supervisors and line management with employee matters
  • Maintaining workplace standards and operational HR procedures
  • Promoting a safe and respectful workplace culture

The role requires daily engagement with unions, supervisors, operational teams, and employees within a fast-paced industrial environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

  • Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
  • HR Degree or Diploma
Experience Requirements

Candidates should have:

  • Minimum of 5 years relevant HR experience
  • Experience within unionised operational, manufacturing, forestry, or industrial environments
  • Practical industrial relations experience
  • Experience handling disciplinary procedures and grievances
  • CCMA representation experience
  • Experience working with multiple unions
  • Exposure to forestry or sawmilling operations will be advantageous
  • Experience supporting line management on daily HR matters
Knowledge and Skills Required

The ideal applicant should demonstrate:

  • Good knowledge of South African labour legislation including BCEA, LRA, OHSA, Employment Equity Act, and Skills Development Act
  • Strong understanding of labour relations and operational HR practices
  • Knowledge of performance and probation management
  • Ability to maintain accurate HR records and documentation
  • Experience using HR systems and ERP platforms such as D365
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Strong organisational and administrative abilities
  • Good communication, facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Ideal Candidate Attributes

The successful candidate will:

  • Demonstrate integrity and professionalism
  • Work effectively under pressure
  • Take ownership of responsibilities
  • Build positive relationships with employees and unions
  • Apply fair and legally compliant HR practices
  • Maintain high levels of organisation and attention to detail
  • Contribute positively to workplace culture and operational effectiveness
How to Apply

Applications must include:

  • Updated CV
  • Motivational cover letter highlighting relevant experience

Send applications to:

Shared Services HR
Email: recruitment@merensky.co.za

Closing Date

Applications close on 27 May 2026.

Candidates who do not receive feedback within two weeks after the application closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

About Merensky Timber

Merensky Timber remains committed to responsible forestry operations, workforce development, and sustainable timber production in South Africa. The organisation promotes Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging while supporting Employment Equity and equal opportunities in the workplace.

Applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged as part of the company’s commitment to maintaining inclusive and respectful working environments across its operations.

Both vacancies present valuable opportunities for HR professionals seeking long-term careers within forestry, industrial relations, labour relations, and operational HR management environments.

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