Employee Relations Leader - Labor Law & Compliance Expert

MyCareerCraft; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

MyCareerCraft is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead policy development, dispute resolution, and compliance across multiple locations in South Africa. You will advise management on best practice ER strategies, manage CCMA matters, and oversee disciplinary processes to ensure fair labour practices while supporting a positive workplace culture.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, extensive SA labour law knowledge, and the ability to balance business needs with employee rights in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR/IR or related field.
• Minimum 68 years experience in HR/ER roles, with at least 3 years in a management or senior ER position.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, OHSA, Skills Development Act).
• Proven track record in handling CCMA cases and union engagements.
• Experience in a medium to large company environment, ideally with unionised workforce exposure.
• Strong knowledge of labour law and dispute resolution practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and resilience under pressure.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to balance business needs with fair employee practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and implement ER policies and procedures aligned with company objectives and South African labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA, OHSA).
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including union agreements and bargaining council conditions.
• Act as the primary contact for all labour relations matters, including CCMA cases, disciplinary hearings, grievances, and workplace investigations.
• Represent the company at external forums such as the CCMA and Bargaining Councils.
• Provide guidance to managers on disciplinary procedures, poor performance management, incapacity processes, and grievance handling.
• Oversee the drafting of charges, notices, and chairing of hearings when required.
• Maintain effective working relationships with shop stewards, union representatives, and employee committees.
• Participate in collective bargaining processes and negotiations where relevant.
• Advise leadership on industrial action risks and assist with contingency planning.
• Support initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, trust, and communication between staff and management.
• Monitor workplace climate through surveys, focus groups, and exit interviews, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Provide training to managers and supervisors on employee relations, labour law compliance, and conflict resolution.
• Build ER capability within the HR team and across business units.
• Prepare regular reports on employee relations trends, disputes, turnover, absenteeism, and disciplinary cases.
• Identify risk areas and recommend proactive strategies to reduce disputes and foster stability.

Skills

Negotiation

Conflict management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Integrity

Resilience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/IR

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Job description

MyCareerCraft is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead policy development, dispute resolution, and compliance across multiple locations in South Africa. You will advise management on best practice ER strategies, manage CCMA matters, and oversee disciplinary processes to ensure fair labour practices while supporting a positive workplace culture.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, extensive SA labour law knowledge, and the ability to balance business needs with employee rights in