Remote Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 44,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an experienced Remote Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team. This fully remote role addresses employee concerns, mediates conflicts, and ensures fair application of HR policies under South African law.

You will manage complex ER issues, guide staff and managers, and help foster a fair workplace culture from anywhere in SA. The ideal candidate has 4–6 years’ ER experience, strong investigative skills, and excellent communication and mediation abilities, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Industrial Psychology, Law or related field.
• 4–6 years in employee relations with investigations focus.
• Strong knowledge of SA labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA).
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and handling sensitive issues.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct impartial investigations into grievances, complaints and disciplinary issues.
• Guide employees and managers on employee relations matters.
• Ensure fair application of HR policies across the organization.
• Advise management on performance management and disciplinary actions.
• Develop and deliver training on conflict resolution, diversity, and anti-harassment.
• Maintain confidential records of investigations and outcomes.
• Monitor sentiment and identify issues impacting morale.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Mediation

Analytical thinking

Independence

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Industrial Psychology / Law

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an experienced and empathetic Remote Employee Relations Specialist to join our dedicated HR team. This fully remote role is vital for fostering a positive and productive work environment by addressing employee concerns, mediating conflicts, and ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of South African labor law, strong investigative skills, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. You will be responsible for managing complex employee relations issues, providing guidance to employees and managers, and contributing to the development of a fair and equitable workplace culture. Working remotely, you will have the flexibility to manage your caseload effectively while ensuring our organizational standards for employee treatment and legal compliance are met. We are committed to creating a supportive and respectful workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee grievances, complaints, and disciplinary issues.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and managers on a wide range of employee relations matters.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of company policies and procedures across the organization.
• Advise management on best practices for employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop and deliver training programs on topics such as conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, and anti-harassment.
• Monitor employee sentiment and proactively identify potential issues that could affect morale or productivity.
• Assist in the development and revision of HR policies to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediation between employees.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all employee relations investigations and outcomes.
• Contribute to building a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience specifically in employee relations or a similar HR role with a strong focus on investigations and conflict resolution.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law, including the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and EEA.
• Proven experience in conducting workplace investigations and handling sensitive employee issues.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a high degree of objectivity.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with employees at all levels.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload effectively in a remote setting.
• Proficiency with HRIS and standard office productivity tools.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering excellent flexibility and work-life balance. Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for continuous professional development. You will play a critical role in shaping a positive and legally compliant employee experience for our organization, working from anywhere in South Africa. Join a team that values fairness, respect, and proactive problem-solving. We are committed to supporting our remote employees with the resources they need to excel.