Employee Relations Specialist I

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

TFG (The Foschini Group) seeks an Employee Relations Specialist I to support the delivery of employee relations strategies across RSA and Rest of Africa. You will develop operational ER plans aligned with strategic objectives and support team performance.

You will stay updated on market trends and ensure compliance with labour law, draft contracts, advise on restructures, and lead ER training across territories. Strong negotiation and drafting skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of labour law and RSA case law (BCEA, LRA, EEA).
• Ability to draft legal opinions on ER matters and queries.
• Experience advising on strategic ER projects and restructures.

Responsibilities

• Engage and advise stakeholders in RSA and Rest of Africa on ER matters.
• Draft and review contracts of employment and related legal agreements.
• Lead collective bargaining and engagement with organised labour (SA and Rest of Africa).
• Advise management on ER and labour matters, including mergers, acquisitions, restructures and retrenchments.
• Develop and promote ER policies aligned to current employment legislation and case law.

Skills

Labour law knowledge

Legal drafting

ER strategy

S189/S197 processes

Negotiation skills

Policy drafting

Training materials

Education

LLB

Admitted attorney

Job description

Job Description

The Employee Relations Specialist I is responsible for supporting the delivery of employee relations strategies and initiatives. They develop employee relations operational plans aligned with strategic objectives and support team performance and quality of deliverables. Additionally, they stay updated with market trends and legislative compliance.

The Employee Relations Specialist I is responsible for supporting the delivery of employee relations strategies and initiatives. They develop employee relations operational plans aligned with strategic objectives and support team performance and quality of deliverables. Additionally, they stay updated with market trends and legislative compliance.

Responsibilities

• Engage and advise internal and external stakeholders, business consultants and service providers in RSA and Rest of Africa territories with strategic ER expertise and support
• Draft and review legal pleadings for relevant external dispute resolution forums
• Draft and maintain all contracts of employment and other employment law related legal agreements
• Collective bargaining and engagement with organised labour (SA and Rest of Africa)
• Advise management on strategic ER and labour related matters, including mergers and acquisitions, business restructures and retrenchments
• Develop, implement and promote ER policies with particular focus on emerging and current relevant employment legislation and evolving case law to ensure best practice, aligned to global trends and risk mitigation
• Develop and facilitate ER training across territories
• Monitor internal labour relations trends
• Travel locally and within Rest of Africa
• Keep accurate data and prepare reports for HO ER and EXCO

Qualifications

• Relevant Legal degree is essential (LLB)
• Admitted attorney
• Min of 5 years relevant working experience specialising in labour law is essential
• Litigation and drafting skills essential
• Retail operations, manufacturing, logistics and/or financial services knowledge advantageous
• Good knowledge and understanding of Employee Relations and HR trends and procedures
• Excellent understanding of legal requirements i.e. the labour law framework in RSA
• Facilitation skills
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills essential
• Understanding of the wholesale and retail context

Skills

• Expert knowledge and understanding of labour legislation and case law (e.g., BCEA, LRA, EEA)
• Experience in advising on strategic business projects with people impact i.e. large-scale restructures/operational requirements, mergers/acquisitions, business optimisation;
• Ability to draft legal opinions on complex ER/labour law matters and queries
• Skilled in S189 and S197 processes, alternate dispute resolution and collective bargaining
• Proficiency in preparing Labour Court pleadings and related documentation.
• Drafting and reviewing ER-related policies, employment related contracts and agreements;
• Developing ER training material and capacity building for business stakeholders and ER consultants

Behaviours

• Collaborates with internal business stakeholders to promote fair employment practices
• Applies legal and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives
• Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals
• Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of efficiency which drives success
• Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the ER department and the entire organisation
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives
• Understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes
• Quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment
• Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational and problems with a legal or compliance context
• Takes accountability on agreed upon individual and team performance targets
• Sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results
• Team player with good interpersonal competencies
• Able to influence business and get buy-in from stakeholders

Preference will be given but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

About Us

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry. We’re the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes. Are you with us?

About The Team

The human resources team strive to create the best experience for all employees throughout the organisation, focusing on people and culture. This team is responsible for talent acquisition, on-boarding, performance management, development, career progression, employee relations and remuneration.