Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Office in Sandton

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to support operations in Sandton, Gauteng. This hybrid role blends in-office presence with remote work and focuses on resolving complex employee relations issues in line with South African labour laws.

You will act as trusted adviser to employees and management, conduct investigations, mediate conflicts, and ensure fair handling of HR policies. Strong communication, discretion, and policy knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Employee Relations or related HR field with a strong ER focus
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA)
• Proven experience conducting investigations, mediation and conflict resolution
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into employee grievances, disciplinary matters and policy violations
• Provide guidance and support to management on employee relations best practices and legal compliance
• Develop and implement strategies to proactively address employee relations issues and prevent disputes
• Mediate conflicts between employees and/or management to reach constructive resolutions
• Ensure consistent and fair application of company policies and procedures
• Advise on disciplinary procedures, performance management and termination processes
• Stay updated on South African labour law and its implications for employee relations
• Contribute to the development and revision of HR policies
• Promote a culture of respect, fairness and open communication
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases

Skills

Investigations

Mediation

Communication

HR policies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Law/Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join their team, supporting operations in the vibrant area of Sandton, Gauteng, ZA . This hybrid role offers a flexible work model, combining in-office presence with remote work capabilities. You will be responsible for managing and resolving complex employee relations issues, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and ensuring compliance with South African labour laws. The ideal candidate will possess strong investigative, mediation, and communication skills, with a deep understanding of employee rights and responsibilities. You will act as a trusted advisor to both employees and management, promoting fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures. This is a key role in maintaining a harmonious workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into employee grievances, disciplinary matters, and policy violations.
• Provide guidance and support to management on employee relations best practices and legal compliance.
• Develop and implement strategies to proactively address employee relations issues and prevent disputes.
• Mediate conflicts between employees and/or management to reach constructive resolutions.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of company policies and procedures.
• Advise on disciplinary procedures, performance management, and termination processes.
• Stay updated on South African labour law and its implications for employee relations.
• Contribute to the development and revision of HR policies.
• Promote a culture of respect, fairness, and open communication.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in Employee Relations or a related HR field with a strong ER focus.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation (e.g., LRA, BCEA, EEA).
• Proven experience in conducting investigations, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment.
• Proficiency in HRIS and MS Office Suite.
• Experience with trade union relations is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. This hybrid role provides the flexibility to balance your work and personal life, with regular opportunities for collaboration in our Sandton, Gauteng, ZA office. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on workplace culture, contribute to strategic HR initiatives, and benefit from professional development opportunities within a dynamic organization.