Employee Relations Specialist

HWSETA; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 756,000 - 924,000; Part time

Job summary

HWSETA is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to uphold positive employee relations, manage workplace disputes, and provide expert ER advice. The role requires SA Labour Law knowledge, union environment experience, and the ability to guide managers on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Key duties include handling grievances, investigations, attendance management and reporting, while ensuring compliant employment practices and supporting wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in SA labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA, OHSA, POPIA).
• Experience in a unionised environment and CCMA processes is advantageous.
• Experience handling disciplinary matters, grievances and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Handle employee grievances, misconduct and workplace issues.
• Advise managers on policies and disciplinary actions.
• Mediate conflicts and support wellbeing initiatives.
• Coordinate disciplinary investigations and hearings.
• Maintain confidential case records and reporting.
• Monitor labour trends and ensure legal compliance.
• Coordinate CCMA and bargaining council matters.
• Coach managers on ER matters and change management.
• Provide advisory support on policies and employment practices.

Skills

Labour relations

Dispute resolution

Investigation skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Postgraduate HR/Labour relations

Job description

Location: Head Office, Bedfordview
Division: Corporate Services
Organisation: HWSETA
Employment Type:2 Years Contract
Salary: R 840 000pa

Job Purpose

HWSETA is seeking to appoint an Employee Relations Specialist to maintain positive employee-employer relations, manage workplace conflict and disputes, provide specialist employee relations advice, and ensure that employment practices are fair, consistent, and compliant with labour legislation and organisational policies.

Education

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Labour Relations or a related field.

Experience

• 5 to 8 years' experience in Employee Relations or Labour Relations.
• Experience in a unionised environment, collective bargaining, and exposure to CCMA and labour dispute processes will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in handling disciplinary matters, grievances, investigations, absenteeism, misconduct and performance-related matters.
• Experience in an SOE or public-sector environment will be advantageous.

Knowledge Requirements

• South African labour legislation including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and POPIA.
• Disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, investigation and performance management procedures.
• CCMA, bargaining council and labour dispute processes.
• Trade union relations and collective bargaining.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Employee Relations and Wellness Support

• Handle employee grievances, complaints and workplace concerns.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers on workplace policies and procedures.
• Mediate and resolve workplace conflicts.
• Facilitate referrals to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and wellness service providers where required.
• Monitor employee relations trends relating to absenteeism, conflict, workplace stress and employee wellbeing.
• Support employee wellness awareness initiatives and programmes.

2. Disciplinary Processes

• Draft disciplinary charges and notices.
• Conduct and coordinate disciplinary investigations.
• Prepare documentation for disciplinary hearings.
• Advise management on disciplinary procedures and corrective actions.
• Ensure disciplinary processes are procedurally fair and compliant with legislation and policy.
• Maintain accurate disciplinary records.

3. Grievances and Investigations

• Investigate employee complaints and grievances.
• Conduct workplace investigations and gather evidence.
• Interview relevant parties and prepare investigation reports.
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain confidentiality throughout investigation processes.

4. Labour Law and Policy Compliance

• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, organisational policies and collective agreements.
• Monitor legislative developments and advise management on labour-related matters.
• Promote consistent application of policies, procedures and employment practices.

5. Performance and Attendance Management

• Support managers in addressing poor performance, misconduct and absenteeism.
• Assist with performance improvement processes.
• Identify recurring employee relations issues and recommend interventions.

6. Management Advisory Services

• Coach and support managers on employee relations matters.
• Provide advice on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, performance and termination processes.
• Ensure consistent application of disciplinary codes and employment practices.

7. HR Administration and Reporting

• Maintain confidential employee relations records and case files.
• Monitor and track employee relations cases.
• Compile and analyse employee relations reports and trends.
• Provide recommendations to mitigate employee relations risks.

8. Labour Dispute Resolution and Representation

• Coordinate matters involving the CCMA, bargaining councils, labour forums and Labour Court.
• Prepare case documentation and represent or support the organisation during dispute resolution processes.
• Liaise with legal representatives and relevant stakeholders.

9. Employee Engagement

• Support employee engagement and change management initiatives.
• Promote a positive workplace culture.
• Identify workplace issues that may impact productivity and employee retention.
• Support communication initiatives that enhance employee morale and engagement.

Key Competencies

• Labour Relations and Employment Law
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Investigation Skills
• Dispute Resolution
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Confidentiality and Integrity
• Report Writing
• Attention to Detail
• Relationship Management

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• A comprehensive and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
• Certified copies of all qualifications, including Matric and tertiary qualifications.
• Proof of professional registration (where applicable).

All certified copies must not be older than three (3) months from the closing date of the advertisement.

Applicants who previously applied for this position need not re-apply, as their applications remain on record and will be considered during this recruitment process.

Employment Equity

HWSETA is an AA/EE Employer and reserves the right not to fill the position.

If you do not receive feedback within four (4) weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.