Why people-related roles are a great strategic move: If you’re just starting to build your offshore team, hiring a strong Executive Assistant, Recruiter, or Virtual Assistants, South Africa is known for exceptional people-centric talent.
As Jim Collins writes: “Those who build great companies understand that the ultimate throttle on growth for any great company is not markets, or technology, or competition, or products. It is one thing above all others: The ability to get and keep enough of the right people.”
That’s exactly why we encourage global teams to start their South African journey with people-centric roles. These are the individuals who can help you get the right people and build the right culture from day one.
- They become the glue between your local and offshore teams: These team members quickly absorb your company culture, tools, and rhythms. They become natural bridges, facilitating onboarding, team alignment, and internal communication across borders.
- They help you scale your offshore hiring: A strong South African recruiter or HR coordinator understands the local talent market and knows how to attract the right profiles. Their local insights can fast-track your ability to grow.
- They bring a local network: Executive Assistants and Recruiters often come with established peer groups in South Africa. Once they understand your business, they can suggest new roles, make warm referrals, and grow your team organically.
- They keep you lean and focused: With the rise of automation and AI, modern virtual & executive assistants in South Africa are tech-savvy and tool-enabled, helping you streamline operations and prioritise what matters most.
Virtual Assistants South Africa: Common People-Centric Roles We’ve Helped Fill
South African professionals are already supporting global teams across every stage of team building and operations. Below is a breakdown of the three most common categories within this space, along with examples, use cases, and salary ranges.
| Role Category | Common Titles | When This Role is Needed | Typical Monthly Salary (ZAR) |
| Assistant Roles | Virtual Assistant, Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Personal Assistant | For founders, execs, and senior leaders needing support with inbox or calendar management, daily tasks, research, and coordination | R13,000 to R25,000 (entry) / R28,000 to R40,000+ (senior) |
| Recruitment Support | Recruiter, Talent Partner, Sourcing Specialist | When scaling your team, launching hiring rounds, or needing support with interviews and talent pipelines | R20,000 to R30,000 (entry) / R35,000 to R55,000+ (senior) |
| People and Ops | People Associate, Payroll Assistant, Operations Administrator, People Ops Manager | When HR systems, onboarding, payroll, and team coordination need attention or dedicated ownership | R20,000 to R30,000 (entry) / R35,000 to R50,000+ (senior) |
What to Look for When Hiring in These Roles
While technical hires often rely on hard skills, these roles succeed based on character, compatibility, and communication.
Top Traits to Prioritise:
- High EQ and listening skills are crucial for navigating team dynamics and leadership support
- Strong cultural fit, as these hires help shape and represent your company’s values
- Tech fluency, including tools like Google Workspace, Slack, Notion, HR or ATS platforms, and AI-powered productivity tools
Educational Background and Hiring Tips
Formal qualifications help, but hands-on experience and team fit are what matter most.
Helpful Backgrounds:
- BCom in HR, Business Management, or Industrial Psychology
- Office Administration certifications or relevant diplomas
- Experience in fast-paced, tech-enabled teams
Hiring Tip: For Executive Assistants or Recruiters, consider a working session as the final interview. Spending a few hours on a live task or project will reveal how they communicate, adapt to your style, and collaborate with the team.
Final Word: The Hidden Engine of a Scalable Offshore Team
These roles may not be front and centre, but they are the quiet catalysts of sustainable growth. They help you organise, prioritise, recruit, and retain. They hold teams together. And in our experience, South Africans excel in these roles not just because they work hard, but because they care deeply about relationships and results.
This wraps up our five-part series on South Africa’s offshore talent potential. We’ve explored Finance and Accounting, IT and Tech, Marketing and Creative, Sales and Customer Support, and now People-Centric Roles. If you’re wondering whether your role can be filled by top South African talent, chances are, it can.
We’ve placed everything from Supply Chain Managers to Research Analysts to Operations Leads.
Reach out to our team. We’d love to explore how we can help you find your first, or next, great hire, right here in South Africa.