Employment Law Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Annual performance bonuses

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave entitlements

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 presents an opportunity for an expert Employment Law Specialist to lead an in-house legal team focused on labor relations and compliance in Polokwane, South Africa. This role requires deep knowledge of BCEA, LRA, and EEA statutes, with responsibility for disputes, contracts, and policy development.

You will advise at all levels of the organization, manage investigations and hearings, and collaborate with unions and external consultants to advance the company’s labor relations

Qualifications

• LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Admitted as an Advocate or Attorney in South Africa.
• 5–8 years of employment law practice, in-house or firm.
• Deep knowledge of BCEA, LRA, EEA and related case law.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and strategic counsel on employment law issues.
• Draft, review, and interpret employment contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Represent the company in labor disputes, CCMA arbitrations, and Bargaining Council proceedings.
• Advise on investigations, grievances, and disciplinary hearings.
• Ensure compliance with labor legislation and regulations including BEE.
• Develop and deliver HR training on employment law best practices.
• Stay informed on changes in employment law and advise on impact.
• Manage relationships with external labor law consultants and unions.
• Assist in developing and implementing HR policies and risk assessments.

Skills

Employment law

Legal advisory

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Strategic counsel

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

LLB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national employer with significant operations in Polokwane, is seeking an expert Employment Law Specialist to lead their in-house legal team focused on labor relations and compliance. This critical role involves advising on all aspects of employment law, managing disputes, and ensuring adherence to the complex regulatory framework governing labor in South Africa. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, and other relevant legislation. This is a key position offering the opportunity to make a substantial impact on workforce management and legal strategy within a large organization in Limpopo.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and strategic counsel on all employment law matters, including hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions, and compliance.
• Draft, review, and interpret employment contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Represent the company in labor disputes, CCMA arbitrations, and Bargaining Council proceedings.
• Advise on and manage workplace investigations, grievances, and disciplinary hearings.
• Ensure compliance with all current labor legislation and regulations, including BEE requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programs for HR and management on employment law best practices.
• Stay abreast of changes in employment law and advise on their implications for the business.
• Manage relationships with external labor law consultants and unions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of effective HR policies and procedures.
• Conduct legal risk assessments related to employment practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in South Africa.
• A minimum of 5-8 years of dedicated experience practicing employment law, either in-house or at a specialized law firm.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor legislation (BCEA, LRA, EEA) and related case law.
• Proven experience in representing employers in labor disputes and arbitrations.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload and prioritize effectively.
• Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive employee-related matters.
• Familiarity with the Polokwane business environment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Key role in shaping the company's labor relations strategy.
• A supportive and professional work environment in Polokwane.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Access to legal resources and continuing professional development.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Employee wellness programs and support.