HR Generalist - Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist

Placements24; O Mente; Hybrid; EUR 22,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced HR Generalist specializing in Employee Relations and Engagement for a growing retail group. You will resolve grievances, conduct investigations, and ensure consistent application of HR policies while advising managers on performance and development.

The role emphasizes employee morale, retention, and compliant HR practice, requiring strong communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills to build trust across all levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelorx2019s degree in HRM or related field.
• 3–5 years in HR Generalist with ER/Engagement focus.
• Solid understanding of SA labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA).
• Proven experience in workplace investigations, grievances and disciplinary hearings.

Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve employee relations issues, conducting investigations into grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Develop strategies to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction and retention.
• Advise line managers on best practices for performance, conduct and development.
• Ensure fair application of HR policies and procedures across the organization.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation between employees and management.
• Support onboarding and exit processes for new and departing staff.
• Contribute to HR policies, procedures and legal compliance.
• Organise and coordinate employee wellness programs and social events.
• Maintain accurate employee records and generate reports on HR metrics.

Skills

Employee relations

Engagement strategies

Conflict resolution

Investigations

Policy enforcement

Communication

HRIS proficiency

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's in HRM/Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing retail group, is seeking an experienced and people-focused HR Generalist with a specialization in Employee Relations and Engagement. This role is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies, and driving employee satisfaction. The ideal candidate will be adept at conflict resolution, building strong relationships, and implementing initiatives that enhance employee morale and retention. This opportunity is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , providing a chance to make a tangible difference in a key regional business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve employee relations issues, conducting thorough investigations into grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Advise line managers on best practices for managing employee performance, conduct, and development.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of company policies and procedures across the organization.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation processes between employees and management.
• Support the HR team in onboarding new employees and facilitating exit processes.
• Contribute to the development and review of HR policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance.
• Organise and coordinate employee wellness programs and social events.
• Maintain accurate employee records and generate reports related to employee relations and engagement metrics.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an HR Generalist role with a strong focus on employee relations and engagement.
• In-depth understanding of South African labor law (LRA, BCEA, EEA) and HR best practices.
• Proven experience in conducting workplace investigations, grievance handling, and disciplinary hearings.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong empathy and the ability to build trust and rapport with employees at all levels.
• Proficiency in HR Information Systems (HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage sensitive information with discretion, and prioritize effectively.
• Experience working within the retail sector is a plus.
• Must be willing to work remotely with occasional site visits to Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, reflecting skills and experience.
• Company-sponsored medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in HR specializations.
• Flexible remote work arrangements.
• A supportive and team-oriented work environment.
• Chance to significantly impact employee experience and organizational culture.