Employee Relations Specialist

The Recruiters; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national organisation is seeking a skilled Employee Relations Specialist to join its Human Resources division in Cape Town. The role focuses on managing industrial relations matters, ensuring fair treatment in compliance with South African labor laws. The ideal candidate has strong investigation skills and the ability to provide proactive guidance. Experience in IR or HR roles with familiarity in labor frameworks is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in an IR-focused role or HR Generalist role with strong IR exposure.
• Sound knowledge of South African labour laws and employee relations frameworks.
• Ability to remain impartial, objective, and confidential in sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal investigations into ER matters, compile reports, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Provide support to management on poor performance and disciplinary issues.
• Guide managers on preparing for CCMA cases and assist with proceedings where required.
• Manage the anonymous whistleblower process in compliance with relevant legislation.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Excellent investigative and report-writing ability

Strong interpersonal and advisory skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources or Industrial Relations

A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree

Job description

Overview

A leading national organisation is seeking a skilled Employee Relations (ER) Specialist to join its Human Resources division. This role focuses on managing day-to-day industrial relations (IR) matters to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant treatment of employees across the business.

The ER Specialist will support line management in all employee relations matters, including misconduct, poor performance, disciplinary processes, and external dispute resolution. The ideal candidate will have a sound understanding of labour legislation, strong investigation skills, and the ability to provide proactive and compliant guidance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal investigations into ER matters, compile reports, and recommend appropriate actions
• Provide support to management on poor performance and disciplinary issues, including the preparation of charges
• Assist with drafting disciplinary hearing documents and outcomes
• Guide managers on preparing for CCMA cases and assist with proceedings where required
• Advise on Department of Employment and Labour inspections related to BCEA, OHSA, and other regulations
• Contribute to the development of IR policies, procedures, and training materials
• Manage the anonymous whistleblower process in compliance with relevant legislation
• Participate in ER / IR projects and initiatives as required
• Provide regular reporting on ER trends, case statistics, and risk areas

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources or Industrial Relations
• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is advantageous
• Minimum of 2 years'' experience in an IR-focused role, or HR Generalist role with strong IR exposure
• Experience in the retail or service sectors is advantageous
• Sound knowledge of South African labour laws and employee relations frameworks
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent investigative and report-writing ability
• Ability to remain impartial, objective, and confidential in sensitive matters
• Detail-oriented, highly organised, and able to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and advisory skills, with the ability to guide and influence line management
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and resilient