Director: Employee Relations

UMP; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) invites applications for the position of Director: Employee Relations, reporting to the HR leadership team. You will provide strategic direction, leadership and management of the Employee Relations function in a complex university environment.

We seek a candidate with extensive knowledge of South African labour law, proven experience in collective bargaining, dispute resolution and advisory support to management.

Qualifications

• A Master’s +5 degree in Employee Relations or Labour Law is required.
• 9 years of complex employee relations experience, preferably in a multi-union environment, with management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of South African labour legislation and CCMA processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for Employee Relations.
• Review and benchmark Employee Relations policies and procedures.
• Represent the University in labour matters and manage cases from inception to finalisation.
• Provide advisory capacity to business and build capacity within the function.
• Demonstrate strong relationship-building and analytical thinking in complex environments.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Advisory capacity

Decision making

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Planning & organizing

Relationship building

Education

M+5 degree in Employee Relations or Labour Law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is a comprehensive University established to provide a relevant, engaged and sustainable learning and teaching environment of outstanding academic excellence to match not only the skills and economic needs of the Province and its people, but of the Country as a whole. The UMP invites applications for the following position/s.

Job Title

Director: Employee Relations

Organisational Unit

University of Mpumalanga -> Human Resources -> Employee Relations

Job Primary Purpose

The position of a Director: Employee Relations is a role for an individual with expertise in legal issues related to employment and proven experience employee relations and relationship management in a complex environment. The incumbent will provide strategic direction, leadership and management of the Employee Relations function in the University of Mpumalanga and will be the custodian of policies regarding the relationship between the employer and employee in the workplace thereby mitigating potential employee relations risks.

Key Performance Areas:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for Employee Relations.
• Review and benchmark Employee Relations policies and procedures.
• Employee Relations Management and representing the University in labour matters.
• Capacity building.
• Advisory capacity to business.
• Manage cases and disputes from inception to finalisation.
• M+5 relevant degree in Employee Relations or Labour Law.
• 9 years of complex employee relations experience, preferably in a multi-union environment, active participation in collective bargaining and staff management, with at least three years ofmanagement experience.
• Five years of specialist experience in Labour Law if currently a practicing attorney/labour consultant.
• Being an Admitted Attorney would be advantageous.
• Extensive knowledge of South African labour legislation;
• Comprehensive knowledge of all CCMA and labour relations processes;
• Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, and Outlook);
• Excellent legal drafting skills including charge sheets, legal opinions and reports;
• Decision making and problem solving skills;
• Appropriate verbal and written language and communication skills;
• Persuading and influencing skills;
• Professional knowledge and expertise;
• Relationship building and networking skills;
• Analytical thinking;
• Planning and organising skills.

Advert Closing Date

8/11/2026

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.