Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 580,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a major retail chain in Polokwane, Limpopo to recruit an Employee Relations Specialist. You will proactively manage ER issues, conduct investigations, advise management on ER best practices, and develop policies to ensure fairness and compliance.

The role requires 3–5 years of ER experience, strong mediation and negotiation skills, and robust knowledge of SA labour law. A hybrid work setup offers on-site and remote engagement opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of Employee Relations experience.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA).
• Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and handling disciplinary processes.
• Strong mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with high confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage and resolve employee relations issues, including grievances, conflicts and disciplinary matters.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints and policy violations.
• Advise management on ER best practices, labour law compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and update ER policies and procedures for legal compliance and fairness.
• Facilitate mediation sessions and conflict resolution between employees.
• Promote a positive workplace culture through training and communication initiatives.
• Stay updated on labour legislation and impact on ER practices.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and legal counsel on complex ER cases.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of ER investigations and resolutions.
• Contribute to ER training programs for managers and staff in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Skills

Mediation

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Psychology, or related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major retail chain with operations across Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join their Human Resources team. This role will focus on fostering a positive and productive work environment by proactively managing employee relations, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies, and effectively resolving workplace disputes. The Specialist will act as a key advisor to management and employees on ER matters, promoting a culture of respect and compliance. This hybrid position offers a balance between on-site engagement and remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively manage and resolve employee relations issues, including grievances, conflicts, and disciplinary matters.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints and policy violations.
• Advise management on employee relations best practices, labor law compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and update employee relations policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and fairness.
• Facilitate mediation sessions and conflict resolution between employees.
• Promote a positive and respectful workplace culture through training and communication initiatives.
• Stay abreast of changes in labor legislation and their impact on employee relations practices.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and legal counsel on complex ER cases.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of ER investigations and resolutions.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of employee relations training programs for managers and staff in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience specializing in Employee Relations.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law, including the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and EEA.
• Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and handling disciplinary processes.
• Strong mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly.
• High ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in HRIS and standard office software.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training in ER.
• Hybrid work model offering a flexible work-life balance.
• Engaging work environment within a well-established retail organization in Polokwane, Limpopo.