Employee Relations Specialist At Gems

Government Employees Medical Scheme; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,109,000 - 1,387,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the health sector is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist in Pretoria. This role focuses on developing and implementing employee relations policies, managing grievances, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Ideal candidates will possess significant experience in employee relations and a relevant qualification, contributing to a positive workplace environment while guiding the organization in upholding its integrity.

Qualifications

• Min of 3 years at a senior level and 5 years of functional experience in Employee Relations.
• Understanding of the medical schemes industry is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement employee relations policies and procedures.
• Conduct workplace investigations related to employee misconduct.
• Provide expert advice on Employee Relations matters.

Skills

Knowledge of South African Labour Legislation

Computer literacy with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities

Data collection and organization techniques

Writing and presentation abilities

Education

Diploma or Degree in Industrial Relations or relevant Human Resources Qualification (NQF Level 6)

Post graduate qualification in Employee Relations/Labour law

Job description

Introduction

The position of Employee Relations Specialist is vacant. The Employee Relations Specialist will report directly to the Senior Manager: Corporate Services and forms part of the Corporate Services Division. The position is based at Head Office in Pretoria.

The Total remuneration package for this position is between R 1 109 620 and R 1 386 956 negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

The closing date for applications will be Tuesday, 10 June 2025.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Employee Relations Specialist will be required to provide support to the Senior Manager: Corporate Services through the implementation of the following:

• Develop and implement employee relations policies procedures.
• Prepare templates and standardised communication formats to ensure consistency and legal compliance across all formal employee communications.
• Lead and facilitate management/union collective bargaining processes and manage union/management structures and communications.
• Conduct workplace investigations relating to employee misconduct, policy violations, and harassment/discrimination claims.
• Mediate workplace conflicts and facilitate resolution between employees or divisions.
• Draft and distribute all employee relations communications, including disciplinary notices, warning letters, hearing notifications, suspension letters, termination documents, and other formal correspondence in line with organisational policies and legal requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all disciplinary proceedings and ensure proper record-keeping for all employee relations matters.
• Manage grievance procedures and employee complaints.
• Ensure compliance with labor legislation and employment contracts.
• Manage all disciplinary enquiries.
• Represent the organization at CCMA, Labor Court and other forums.
• Provide expert advice on all Employee Relations matters.
• Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives to foster positive workplace relations.
• Monitor industry trends and legislative changes to ensure organisational policies remain compliant and current.
• Analyze employee relations metrics and prepare comprehensive reports for senior management.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners to address complex employee relations issues.
• Develop and maintain effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Provide coaching to line managers on handling disciplinary matters.
• Create and implement strategies to prevent labour disputes and minimize workforce disruptions.
• Design and deliver training programs on employee relations topics for managers and employees.
• Support organisational change management initiatives from an employee relations perspective.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualification requirements are:

• Diploma or Degree in Industrial Relations or relevant Human Resources Qualification (NQF Level 6).
• Min of 3 years at a senior level and 5 years of functional experience in Employee Relations.
• Post graduate qualification in Employee Relations/Labour law would be advantageous.

Skills:

• Proven knowledge of South African Labour Legislation and Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and other key labour prescripts.
• Proven track record of exposure to CCMA Proceedings and labour Court cases.
• Proven track record of managing collective labour relations (unions).
• Computer literacy with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Writing and presentation abilities.
• Data collection, collation, and organization techniques.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles to provide practical solutions.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Administrative and organizational approaches for knowledge management.
• Leadership characteristics, particularly in communication during conflict
• Willingness to travel at short notice.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the medical schemes industry.
• Membership or accreditation with a professional body.

Interested?

GEMS employs people with the highest level of integrity - submission to the appropriate pre-employment assessment is obligatory to be considered for the position.

Kindly note that the information provided on application of the position may be shared with a third party for vetting purposes and will be stored by GEMS for a period of 5 years.

Kindly note that information is required for Employment Equity Purposes and information gathered is strictly used according to the intended purpose of collection, unless there is a legal need or permission is granted from the applicant themselves to make use of it for other purpose

Should you wish to have your information removed from the GEMS database, kindly send a request in writing to [Email Address Removed] .

GEMS adopts a hybrid work model.

GEMS is guided by the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to groups who are underrepresented in accordance with GEMS employment equity plan.

Successful candidates will be required to seek approval to conduct other work outside of GEMS.

GEMS Employees are required to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the organisation's paramount values: Excellence, Member Value, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.