Professor of Human Capital Management- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
Job Title: Associate Professor/Professor of Human Capital Management
Job ID: 6640 (2304)
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Department: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences – UFS Business School
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Employment Type: Permanent
Occupational Level: Middle Management
Salary: Available on request
Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 27 October 2026
Job Description
The University of the Free State is inviting applications for an Associate Professor or Professor of Human Capital Management to join the UFS Business School in Bloemfontein.
The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and academic leadership in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Capital Management (HCM). The role involves developing and delivering academic programmes, conducting high-quality research, publishing scholarly work, creating short-learning programmes and strengthening partnerships between the Business School and the business community.
The appointed candidate will also participate in executive education, consultancy projects, academic administration and interdisciplinary research initiatives that respond to business and societal needs.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise postgraduate students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, MBA and PhD programmes.
Lecture in Human Capital Management, Talent Management, Strategic Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Labour Relations and related modules.
Develop and deliver high-quality teaching materials and learning activities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Contribute to executive education programmes, short-learning programmes and micro-credentials.
Conduct high-quality research in Human Resource Management and related disciplines.
Publish research findings and participate in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects.
Develop and improve formal academic and executive education programmes.
Serve as a cluster leader and participate in academic committees.
Perform academic administration, including preparing assessments, marking assignments and examinations, recording marks and addressing student complaints.
Participate in Business School consultancy services and provide expertise to external organisations.
Build relationships with industry leaders and strengthen collaboration between the Business School and the business community.
Provide mentorship, training and short courses to the community.
Contribute to the strategic vision, leadership and academic development of the Business School.
For Professor-level appointments, lead high-impact research initiatives, identify external research funding opportunities and strengthen the institution’s national and international academic standing.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements for the academic position they are applying for.
A. Associate Professor
PhD in Human Resource Management, Human Capital Management or a closely related discipline at NQF Level 10.
Proven teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
Experience presenting peer-reviewed research papers at national conferences.
National recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status, or eligibility to apply in the next rating cycle.
Proven experience supervising Master’s students who have graduated.
A strong publication record in accredited national and international journals.
Membership of a national scholarly society, national higher-education research committee or agency, or active service in an equivalent international organisation.
B. Professor
PhD in Human Resource Management, Human Capital Management or a closely related discipline at NQF Level 10.
Proven teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
Experience as an external examiner for Master’s and doctoral students.
A significant research portfolio demonstrating sustained research activity over the past eight years.
Relevant publications in high-quality accredited national and international journals.
International recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status, or eligibility to apply in the next rating cycle.
Successful supervision of graduated Master’s students and preferably graduated doctoral students.
Proven practical experience in Human Resource Management or related disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to generate third-stream income.
Experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
Evidence of wider public engagement and research dissemination.
Membership of an international scholarly society or an international higher-education research committee or agency.
Recommended Requirements
The following qualifications, experience and skills will be advantageous:
At least five years of practical experience in Human Resource Management, Human Capital Management or a related field.
Experience in international collaboration.
Strong knowledge of labour legislation, human capital practices and organisational behaviour.
Ability to integrate digital transformation and modern HCM technology into academic curricula.
Ability to communicate research findings to relevant audiences.
Experience engaging with industry and securing research funding.
Data analysis skills using IBM SPSS, AMOS and PLS.
Membership or registration with a relevant professional body, with proof attached.
Experience as a departmental leader or manager in higher education.
Previous service on the editorial board of high-quality national scholarly journals.
Relevant industry experience as an HR practitioner.
Required Skills and Competencies
Results orientation: Ability to set high standards, achieve challenging goals and adapt to changing circumstances.
Strategic thinking: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail and organisation.
Business acumen: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, business education trends, contemporary HRM practices and developments in the changing world of work.
Academic and industry awareness: Ability to incorporate emerging HRM trends, digital transformation and sustainable business practices into teaching and research.
Leadership: Ability to motivate colleagues, encourage teamwork and contribute to academic leadership.
Networking and collaboration: Strong relationship-building, negotiation, communication and persuasion skills.
Research funding: Ability to develop partnerships and attract funding for research and professional practice.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits, subject to applicable conditions, include:
Pension scheme
Medical aid scheme
Group life insurance
Housing allowance
Leave and sick leave
Service bonus
Study benefits
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Required Documents
Detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained.
SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications.
Copy of South African ID or passport for foreign nationals.
Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants, such as an appointment letter, employment contract, service certificate or recent payslip.
Supporting evidence of relevant qualifications, research achievements and professional registrations, where applicable.
The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to combine documents into fewer files where necessary. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply online: Official UFS Vacancy Website
Enquiries
Telephone: 051 401 2558
Email: ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za
Additional email: Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Application assistance: 051 401 9813 / 2979 / 2876