Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work model

Generous leave allowances

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team in East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on fair application of policies, managing grievances, and advising management on ER matters.

The ideal candidate will have a Labour law background, strong communication and investigative skills, and a commitment to ethical HR practices within the retail sector. This role offers hybrid work arrangements in East London.

Qualifications

• Experience in employee relations within a retail context is preferred.
• Proven ability to conduct fair and thorough workplace investigations.
• Strong understanding of Labour Relations Act and BCEA.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve employee grievances and disputes promptly and effectively.
• Conduct impartial investigations into misconduct, policy violations and harassment claims.
• Advise line managers on employee relations, disciplinary processes, and performance management.
• Develop and update employee relations policies to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Promote positive workplace culture through proactive engagement and education.
• Assist in delivering training for managers and employees on ER topics.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and ensure HR service delivery integration.
• Stay updated on changes in labour legislation and advise the business accordingly.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

Policy guidance

Disciplinary processes

Education

HR degree

Labour law knowledge

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic retail organisation with a significant presence across the country, is seeking a skilled and proactive Employee Relations Specialist to join their HR team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role will focus on ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies and procedures, managing employee grievances, and fostering a positive and productive work environment. You will play a crucial role in advising management on employee relations matters, conducting investigations, and mitigating workplace risks. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, a strong understanding of labour law, and a commitment to ethical HR practices. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ER professional to contribute to a well-respected organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve employee grievances and disputes in a timely and effective manner.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee misconduct, policy violations, and harassment claims.
• Advise line managers on employee relations issues, disciplinary processes, and performance management.
• Develop and update employee relations policies and procedures to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Promote a positive and respectful workplace culture through proactive engagement and education.
• Assist in the development and delivery of training programs for managers and employees on employee relations topics.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases.
• Collaborate with the broader HR team to ensure integrated HR service delivery.
• Stay abreast of changes in labour legislation and advise the business accordingly.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of dedicated experience in employee relations.
• Proven experience in conducting workplace investigations and managing grievances.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law, including the Labour Relations Act and BCEA.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and mediation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Experience in the retail sector is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. The role operates on a hybrid model, providing a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. Employees benefit from generous leave allowances and access to employee wellness programs. Our client is committed to employee development and provides opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement. This role is based in our client's offices in East London, Eastern Cape .