Employee Relations Manager

Talented Recruitment; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced ER Manager to lead employee relations strategies and ensure compliance with legal standards. This role involves managing dispute resolution, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and implementing employment equity initiatives. With a focus on strategic leadership and collaboration with HR Business Partners, the successful candidate will drive the transformation agenda and enhance employee engagement. If you have a passion for employee relations and a proven track record in a unionised environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of relevant ER experience in a unionised manufacturing industry.
• Proven practical application of relevant employee legislation in a commercial environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage ER strategy and EE plans in line with legislative requirements.
• Collaborate with HRBPs to provide best practice ER and EE solutions.
• Advise on handling complaints and managing grievances.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Employee Relations

Dispute Resolution

Labour Law Compliance

Conflict Resolution

Education

HR Degree

Tertiary Qualification in Conflict Resolution or Labour Law

Job description

The ER Manager will provide expert legal and compliance support to HR Business Partners, lead all employee relations strategies, and ensure effective engagement with bargaining councils and the CCMA.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Dispute resolution, risk mitigation, policy development, and driving the EE and transformation agenda.
2. Maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across the business.

Requirements:

1. HR degree or relevant employee relations (ER) qualification.
2. Tertiary qualification in Conflict Resolution or Labour Law (e.g., MPHIL, LLB, MSSC) is advantageous. Postgraduate qualifications are also considered advantageous.
3. 8-10 years relevant ER experience in a unionised manufacturing industry.
4. 5 years of experience in strategic leadership.
5. Proven practical application of relevant employee legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, etc.) in a commercial unionised environment.
6. Experience in Employment Equity, Diversity, and/or Transformation portfolios.
7. Strong stakeholder management skills at all levels.
8. Valid South African driver’s license.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Manage ER strategy and EE plans in line with legislative requirements and business objectives, in partnership with HRBPs, line managers, and transformation committees.
2. Collaborate with HRBPs to understand employee and management needs, providing best practice ER and EE solutions.
3. Identify and report ER risks proactively to minimize business disruption.
4. Implement employment equity and transformation objectives through data management, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
5. Advise on handling complaints, managing grievances, and facilitating counselling with HRBPs.
6. Manage external legal advisory support in partnership with the legal team.
7. Train managers and HRBPs on employee relations best practices.
8. Support investigations into industrial relations issues.
9. Analyze employee feedback and revise policies to improve outcomes.
10. Provide advice on dispute resolution, negotiations, and employee engagement.
11. Manage external dispute resolution processes efficiently.
12. Stay updated on employee legislation, case law, and identify areas for improvement.