Employee Relations Specialist

Westfalia Fruit; Tzaneen; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

Ein führendes Unternehmen in der Landwirtschaft sucht einen engagierten Employee Relations Specialist, der die positiven Beziehungen zwischen der Organisation und ihren Mitarbeitern fördert. Diese Rolle umfasst die Einhaltung von Arbeitsgesetzen, die Unterstützung bei Disziplinarverfahren und die Zusammenarbeit mit externen Stakeholdern. Wenn Sie über fundierte Kenntnisse in Arbeitsbeziehungen verfügen und in einem dynamischen Umfeld arbeiten möchten, ist dies die ideale Gelegenheit für Sie. Das Unternehmen bietet ein umfassendes Vergütungspaket, das medizinische Leistungen und die Möglichkeit eines jährlichen Bonus umfasst.

Benefits

Provident Fund

Versicherte Leistungen

Medizinische Versorgung

Jährlicher Bonus

Qualifications

• Mindestens 5 Jahre Erfahrung in Arbeitsbeziehungen in einem gewerkschaftlich organisierten Umfeld.
• Erfahrung in der Landwirtschaft oder im Einzelhandel von Vorteil.

Responsibilities

• Leitung von Disziplinarverfahren und Unterstützung bei der Lösung von Beschwerden.
• Beratung zu Arbeitsgesetzen und Durchführung von Schulungen für Mitarbeiter.

Skills

Verhandlungsgeschick

Konfliktlösungskompetenz

Interpersonelle Fähigkeiten

Analytisches Denken

Fließend in Sepedi

Education

Matric

Postgraduate 3 Jahre Qualifikation in Arbeitsbeziehungen oder Personalwesen

Zertifikat in Disziplinarverfahren

Job description

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading avocado experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruit Estate, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced to be based in Tzaneen: Employee Relations Specialist

Purpose of the role:

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for fostering a positive relationship between the organization and its employees by promoting fair and consistent application of labour laws, company policies, and procedures. The role ensures effective dispute resolution, compliance with legal requirements, and engagement with employee bodies and external stakeholders to support a productive and harmonious work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Disciplinary Hearings & Grievance Handling

• Chair or support disciplinary hearings and grievance resolutions.

• Provide CCMA case support including preparation of documents and witnesses.
• Ensure timely resolution of grievances and compliance with disciplinary procedures.

Labour Legislation Compliance

• Advise on BCEA, LRA, Sectoral Determinations, and COIDA processes.
• Conduct induction for waged employees on company rules, contracts, and benefits.
• Maintain records of meetings, protests, and collective actions.

Audit Support

• Coordinate with internal/external auditors on ethical trade and labour compliance.
• Prepare for Department of Labour inspections.
• Deliver refresher training to employees on policies and rights.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with unions, CCMA, and the Department of Labour.
• Coordinate Workers Committee and Village meetings, ensuring follow-up on issues raised.
• Update employment contracts to reflect legislative or structural changes.

Wage Negotiations

• Support wage negotiation processes by gathering internal/external wage data.
• Draft and communicate settlement agreements.
• Ensure distribution of agreements to relevant stakeholders.

Education:

• Matric
• Postgraduate 3 years qualification in Labour Relation, Human Resources or equivalent.
• Certificate in disciplinary procedures.
• Must have own car and be able to travel locally and nationally.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a labour relations, within a unionised environment.
• Experience in Agriculture, Farming, FMCG or Retail will be advantageous.
• Must have experience in developing, implementing and monitoring policies.
• Must have experience in develop training material and conduct internal IR related trainings.

Competencies

Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of South African labour laws and CCMA processes
• Familiarity with unionised environments.
• Knowledge of COIDA, employee benefits, and contract regulations

Skills

• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
• Analytical thinking and sound judgement
• Must be able to fluent speaking in Sepedi.

Attitude/Behaviours

• Assertive and resilient under pressure
• Professional with high integrity and confidentiality
• Attentive to detail and highly organized
• Collaborative and people-oriented

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package, which comprises a provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid, and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Interested and qualified internal applicants should forward their applications (including a detailed copy of the CV) to [e-mail] for the attention Orifha Luvhengo.

Closing date for applications will be 12 May 2025

NB: Should you not receive correspondence 01 July 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.