Employee / Labour Relations Specialist

Purpose of the Job

To promote harmonious workplace relationships by designing, developing, and

implementing proactive employee relations policies, structures, and procedures that

mitigate risks arising from the employer-employee relationship.

The Employee Relations Specialist will provide expert labour law and industrial relations

advice, facilitate consultations and negotiations between management and employees, and ensure effective implementation of consequence management processes, including

grievances, disciplinary matters, and misconduct cases.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Labour Relations, Industrial

Psychology, Law, or an equivalent qualification (NQF Level 7).

Experience

Minimum of 5 years' experience in Labour Relations Management.

Minimum of 3 years' labour relations experience within the public sector.

Proven experience representing employers in labour disputes and CCMA proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

Labour Relations Strategy and Policy Management

Develop, implement, maintain, and review employee relations policies, procedures, and

frameworks.

Ensure labour relations policies are effectively communicated, consistently applied, and

support positive employee-employer relationships.

Monitor compliance with labour legislation, organisational policies, and collective

agreements.

Recommend policy improvements and amendments based on legislative and organisational developments.

Employee Relations Advisory Services

Provide specialist advice and guidance to management and employees on labour

legislation, employee relations matters, policies, and procedures.

Support management in resolving workplace conflicts and employee relations issues.

Attend and facilitate meetings where employee relations matters may impact workplace

harmony and productivity.

Collective Bargaining and Union Relations

Establish and maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and

employee representatives.

Represent management in consultation forums and collective bargaining processes.

Assist management with wage negotiations and collective agreements.

Facilitate the development, implementation, and review of organisational rights and

relationship agreements.

Monitor and ensure compliance with agreements concluded between management and

labour unions.

Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management

Facilitate the resolution of formal grievances and workplace disputes.

Identify causes of workplace conflict and recommend corrective interventions.

Manage disciplinary processes and misconduct matters in accordance with company policies and labour legislation.

Oversee industrial action management and provide technical support to the organisation

during labour disputes.

CCMA and Litigation Management

Represent the organisation at the CCMA during conciliations and arbitrations.

Prepare cases and ensure effective management of labour disputes.

Work closely with the Legal and Risk Unit to facilitate and oversee litigation arising from

employee relations matters.

Monitor developments in labour law and advise management on potential organisational

impacts.

Training and Capacity Building

Develop organisational capacity to effectively implement employee relations policies and

comply with legislative requirements.

Collaborate with the Organisational Development function to develop and deliver labour

relations training programmes for management and employees.

Promote awareness and understanding of employee relations policies and labour legislation across the organisation.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain productive relationships with:

Trade unions and employee representatives.

Department of Employment and Labour officials.

External service providers.

Other relevant stakeholders.

Performance Management Support

Support management and employees in managing performance-related issues.

Assist with analysing performance concerns and developing appropriate interventions.

Reporting and Administration

Implement and maintain a comprehensive employee relations administration system.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all employee relations activities and cases.

Produce regular reports on employee relations activities, trends, disputes, grievances,

disciplinary matters, and industrial relations risks.

Monitor labour relations trends and provide recommendations to management.

Stay informed of legislative changes and industry developments and report on their

potential impact.

Knowledge and Competencies

Expert knowledge of the Labour Relations Act and related employment legislation.

Sound understanding of public sector labour relations frameworks.

Expert knowledge of CCMA rules, procedures, dispute resolution, conciliation, and

arbitration processes.

Extensive experience in:

Collective bargaining Grievance management

Disciplinary and misconduct processes Industrial action management

Union engagement and stakeholder management

Core Competencies

Leadership and influencing skills Conflict resolution and mediation

Negotiation and bargaining skills Analytical and problem-solving ability

Decision-making and sound judgement Planning and organisational skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills Attention to detail and administration

Relationship management and stakeholder engagement

Pay: R500 000,99 - R696 058,26 per year

Work Location: In person