Employee Relations and Development Officer

POSITION AVAILABLE: Employee Relations and Development Officer

Location: Midrand, Gauteng (Hybrid)

Department: Human Resources

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Apply directly to: recruitment@aie.ac (applications submitted via LinkedIn will not be considered)

The Academic Institute of Excellence (AIE) is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Employee Relations & Development Officer.

The Employee Relations & Development Officer plays a critical role in fostering a positive, engaged, and productive workplace culture. This role is responsible for managing employee relations matters, supporting staff well-being and communication initiatives, and coordinating professional development and succession planning efforts. The ERD Officer will serve as a key link between staff and leadership to ensure a harmonious, values-driven work environment that supports both individual and organisational growth.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain HR governance library (Policies, Procedures, Templates, Job Descriptions, Organograms, Contracts, Standard Letters, Employee Files, Version Control)
• Coordinate the organisational performance management cycle and support managers with performance improvement processes, including performance counselling, performance improvement plans and associated documentation.
• Work with department heads to identify training needs and create development plans for employees.
• Organise and coordinate internal workshops, seminars, and external training.
• Support individual development planning and track professional growth across departments.
• Assist in identifying high-potential staff and contribute to the development of succession plans.
• Support leadership development programmes and career progression initiatives.
• Work closely with the Head of Department: HR to ensure strategic development opportunities align with workforce needs.
• Facilitate onboarding programmes to ensure new staff are successfully integrated into the organisation.
• Lead and manage conflict resolution processes in line with company policies and legislative frameworks.
• Handle employee grievances and disciplinary matters in a fair, timely, and confidential manner.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance, conduct, and employee relations issues.
• Maintain accurate records of all ER matters and support case reporting and audits where required.
• Design and implement staff well-being initiatives and mental health support programmes.
• Coordinate staff communication campaigns and promote a culture of open dialogue and transparency.
• Develop and deliver staff engagement programmes including surveys, focus groups, and action planning.
• Support the delivery of internal recognition and reward programmes.
• Prepare statutory and regulatory HR submissions including but not limited to:

Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR);

Employment Equity (EE);

Higher Education and DHET Data Submissions.

• Committee Involvement:

Member: Employment Equity Committee

Chair: Social Committee

Application Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Organisational Development, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in HR, with a strong focus on employee relations and development.
• Proven experience with high volume HR operations.
• Proven experience handling grievances, disciplinary matters, and workplace conflict.
• Experience in learning and development, onboarding, and staff engagement.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of employment legislation and best practices in employee relations.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills for workshops and training.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent with MS Office and HRIS systems.
• Proficient with current technology and digital platforms, eg. Artificial Intelligence.

At AIE, we're not just adapting to the future, we're building it.

We stay agile through adaptability, lead with empathy, honour respect, and spark everything with curiosity. If this sounds like your kind of environment, we'd love to hear from you.