Employee Relations Specialist

Nampak; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Part time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Johannesburg is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist on a fixed-term contract. The role requires management of employee relations to foster a collaborative work environment while ensuring compliance with labour laws. The ideal candidate must have a postgraduate degree in Labour Relations or HR and proven experience in employee relations, with strong problem-solving and conflict management skills. This role offers a dynamic environment and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on employee relations.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years proven experience in Employee Relations including strategic problem-solving.
• Strong track record in mediations and arbitration management.
• High business acumen with ability to deliver effective ER solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide onsite IR support to Operations teams and management.
• Conduct initial investigations into workplace incidents and grievances.
• Advise on disciplinary and grievance resolution processes.
• Maintain accurate IR records for internal purposes.
• Facilitate communication between employees and HR.

Skills

Strategic problem-solving

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict management

Education

Postgraduate degree in Labour Relations and/or HR

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg

Function: Human Capital

Sub-Function: Employee Relations

Immediate Superior: Senior Employee Relations Manager

Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Closing Date: 5 December 2025

Join Us and Shape the Future of Employee Relations!

Are you passionate about creating a workplace where collaboration thrives and compliance meets innovation? This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, purpose‑led organization.

Purpose of the Role

Drive Employee Relations by providing an efficient and effective IR specialist service, ensuring a true centre of excellence. Monitor labour legislation developments and provide strategic advice to the business, ensuring compliance with labour legislation and minimising business risk. Build and maintain strong relationships between management, employees, and social partners. Critically assess and apply laws, regulations, and codes relating to employer obligations, and support the business with the implementation thereof.

Key responsibilities include

• Provide onsite IR support to Operations teams and management stakeholders.
• Conduct initial investigations into workplace incidents, grievances, or misconduct to establish facts before escalation.
• Advise managers and supervisors on disciplinary, grievance, and dispute resolution processes.
• Maintain accurate IR records, reports, and statistics for internal purposes.
• Facilitate effective communication between employees, Operations, and HR to prevent and resolve workplace issues.
• Conduct site visits, consultations, and IR compliance audits.
• Identify labour relations risks and recommend practical solutions to support operational initiatives.
• Escalate complex IR matters to senior HR/IR leadership where appropriate.
• Stay current on labour law amendments, case law precedents, and IR trends, and share insights with the team.
• Represent the company in conciliations and arbitrations (CCMA and bargaining councils).

The ideal candidate should possess the following

• Postgraduate degree in Labour Relations and/or HR (Labour Law degree advantageous).
• Minimum 3-5 years proven experience in Employee Relations with strategic problem‑solving skills.
• Strong track record in mediations, conciliations, and arbitration management.
• Sound understanding of labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, EEA, etc.).
• Successful CCMA and Labour Court representation experience.
• High business acumen and ability to deliver lasting ER solutions within FMCG.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Computer literacy in MS Office; SAP experience advantageous.

Employment Equity

Nampak is an Equal Opportunities employer. Our approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered during recruitment. We actively encourage applications from people with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in South Africa.