Employee Relations Specialist - Retail Sector

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hybrid work model

Discounts on products

Performance reviews

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join its HR team in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will investigate grievances, manage disciplinary hearings, and advise managers on fair and compliant employee relations practices within a national retail chain.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in HRM, Law, or Industrial Psychology, with at least five years of ER experience and strong knowledge of SA labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HRM, Law, Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years dedicated experience in employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of SA labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA).
• Experience in investigations, disciplinary hearings and grievances.
• Retail sector experience in Polokwane is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into employee grievances, disciplinary issues, and policy violations.
• Manage disciplinary processes, issue warnings, hearings, and actions.
• Provide expert advice on employee relations matters and HR policies.
• Ensure consistent application of policies across all levels.
• Interpret and apply SA labour law (BCEA, LRA, EEA).
• Develop and deliver training on employee relations for managers.
• Maintain accurate records of employee relations cases and outcomes.
• Identify trends and propose proactive solutions to prevent problems.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on complex employee relations matters.

Skills

Investigations

Disciplinary hearings

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in HRM, Law, or Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national retail chain, is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join their HR team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This critical role focuses on promoting a positive and productive work environment by managing and resolving employee relations issues effectively and fairly. You will be responsible for investigating grievances, conducting disciplinary hearings, and advising management on employee relations best practices and legal compliance. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on employee satisfaction and organizational stability within a well-known retail brand. The ideal candidate will possess strong investigative skills, a deep understanding of labor law, and excellent communication abilities. You will be a key advocate for fair labor practices and contribute to upholding the company's values and policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into employee grievances, disciplinary issues, and policy violations.
• Manage the disciplinary process, including issuing warnings, conducting hearings, and recommending appropriate actions.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on employee relations matters and HR policies.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures across all levels.
• Interpret and apply South African labor law, including the BCEA, LRA, and EEA.
• Develop and deliver training programs on employee relations for managers and supervisors.
• Facilitate constructive conflict resolution and mediation between employees.
• Maintain accurate records of employee relations cases and outcomes.
• Identify trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions to prevent future problems.
• Collaborate with legal counsel when necessary on complex employee relations matters.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in employee relations or a similar HR role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law, including the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and Employment Equity Act.
• Proven experience in conducting investigations, disciplinary hearings, and grievance procedures.
• Strong understanding of HR policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience within the retail sector in Polokwane, Limpopo is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund.
• This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the retail HR space.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment is emphasized.
• The company is committed to employee well-being and offers various wellness initiatives.
• Employees benefit from a hybrid work model, balancing office and remote work.
• Discounts on company products and services are available.
• Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions are conducted.
• Opportunities to lead specific employee relations projects are provided.