Employee Relations Manager

The HEINEKEN Company; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in Johannesburg seeks an Employee Relations Specialist to drive effective IR services, develop policies, and ensure compliance with labor laws. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in Employee Relations, strong negotiation skills, and a postgraduate degree in HR or Labor Relations. This permanent position offers a unique opportunity to influence ER strategies and build collaborative relationships across the organization.

Benefits

Equal Opportunities employer

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• 8 years proven experience in Employee Relations.
• Solid track record in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Strong understanding of South African labour legislation.

Responsibilities

• Drive Employee Relations to provide effective IR specialist service.
• Develop robust IR policies in alignment with Group HR strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships between management and employees.

Skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Postgraduate degree in Labour Relations and/or HR

Labour law degree

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

We Go Places! How about you?
Immediate Superior: Head: Employee Relations
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Function: People
Sub Function: Employee Relations
Type of Contract: Permanent
Reference Number: 147334
Closing Date: 21/11/2025

Purpose:

• Drive Employee Relations in providing an efficient and effective IR specialist service, ensuring a true centre of excellence
• To ensure that robust IR policies are developed and implemented in alignment with the Group HR strategy and business needs
• To monitor labour legislation developments and implement appropriate strategies to ensure compliance and minimise business risk.
• To build and maintain excellent relationships between management, employees, employee representatives, shop stewards
• Critically assess and apply laws, regulations, codes and ordinances relating to employer obligations.
• Critically assess the newly integrated labour model (e.g., insourcing/outsourcing/hybrid, etc.) and develop appropriate strategies in creating a best-in‑class operating model and structure for HBSA.

Key Responsibilities:

The ER team provides best practices and leading‑edge technology, research and processes

• Identify and manage implementation of cutting‑edge technologies to put in the forefront of ER practices
• Constant benchmarking for best practice and new opportunities for capability building

Ensure delivery of key step changes on ER projects are on time and effectively addresses business needs and commercial requirements

• Drive insights across all business units on the implementation of Total ER and work environment strategies as well as hands‑on consulting and problem solving leading to key business solutions
• Actively coach and support all Heads and Opco members on implementation of the ER strategy processes and tools available.
• ER effectiveness guidelines, policies developed, shared and coached into teams across key markets to drive competitive advantage in creating a total company experience.
• Drive decision making and governance of the ER strategy and system in SA, NBL and HBI.
• Provide required governance and oversight to ensure disciplined adherence policies and procedures.
• Provide enabling technology and systems for the managing information of ER activities and the tracking of projects.
• Drive and embed a purpose‑led org. culture

Build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to deliver on key step change HR projects

• Develop relationships with key external partners to collaborate on futures trends, and best practice methods for ER strategies
• Foster good relations with SA, NBL and HBI teams to be viewed as trusted business partner for trends and support
• Collaborate with Corporate communication department, and key business stakeholders to effectively deliver on key step change projects.

Education & Experience:

• A post graduate degree in Labour Relations and/or HR or equivalent
• A labour law degree would be advantageous
• 8 years proven experience in Employee Relations with a solid track record in problem-solving at operational, tactical and strategic level
• Proven track records of mediations, conciliations and arbitration management
• Strong negotiation and sound presentation skills.
• Sound understanding of labour legislation, e.g. Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, etc.
• Successful Industrial and Employee Relations with a successful CCMA track record
• Ability to represent the company in dispute resolution procedures – Proven success record at the CCMA and Labour Court, if and when applicable.
• High levels of business acumen and successful problem‑solving experience leading to lasting employee relations solutions within the FMCG business industry
• Creative problem solving and strong decision‑making ability.
• High versatility to adapt to continuous changing environments.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to handle conflict effectively as well as be an effective employee relations facilitator
• Computer literacy in MS Office. SAP working knowledge and experience would be advantageous.

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.