Employment Relations Specialist

AVI Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

I&J, part of AVI Limited, invites applications for an Employment Relations Specialist to provide expert Employment Relations and Industrial Relations support across the business. You will advise management on ER matters, support collective labour engagements and ensure fair, legally compliant practices while proactively managing labour risks.

The role focuses on guidance to management on disciplinary, grievances, and dismissal processes, as well as representing the business at CCMA and

Qualifications

• Three year degree in Industrial Relations, Labour Relations, Law or related field.
• Post graduate Labour Law or dispute resolution qualification.
• CCMA, bargaining council or chairing disciplinary enquiry training.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational employment relations support and guidance to line management, HR teams and employees.
• Support union engagement, consultation processes and preparation for negotiations.
• Draft, interpret and implement recognition, substantive and collective agreements.

Education

Three year degree in Industrial Relations, Labour Relations, Law or related field

Post graduate Labour Law or dispute resolution qualification

CCMA, bargaining council or chairing disciplinary enquiry training

Job description

At I&J, part of AVI, we have combined 115 years of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to the fishing industry. As a leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities. Our latest innovation, Air-Fri’kn Amazing, brings bold flavours and crispy perfection to your air fryer, showcasing our passion for quality and customer-centric excellence.

Why Join I&J?

• Industry Leader: Work with a renowned brand known for premium Cape Hake and farmed Abalone.
• Sustainability Focused: Contribute to responsible fishing practices with MSC accreditation.
• Community Impact: Be part of a company that empowers and invests in local communities.

Grow, Innovate, Succeed!

We have an incredible opportunity for an EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST. This role will be responsible for providing expert Employment Relations and Industrial Relations support and guidance across the business. The role will advise management on employment relations matters, support collective labour engagements and dispute resolution and proactively manage labour risks while ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant practices.

Key Areas Of Impact

• Provide operational employment relations support and guidance to line management, HR teams and employees.
• Support the Employment Relations Manager with union engagement, consultation processes and preparation for negotiations.
• Assist with the drafting, interpretation and implementation of recognition agreements, substantive agreements and collective agreements.
• Prepare formal correspondence, notices, reports and documentation relating to employment relations matters.
• Advise and support management on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity and dismissal processes to ensure procedural and substantive fairness.
• Provide guidance on collective labour matters and be proactive with labour risks.
• Represent or assist in representing the business at the CCMA, bargaining councils and other dispute resolution forums where required.
• Facilitate staff engagement and support communication on IR matters across operational environments.
• Assist with reviewing disciplinary policies, procedures and practices to ensure alignment with legislation and business requirements.
• Maintain accurate industrial relations records, case documentation and monthly reporting inputs.
• Identify recurring employment relations issues and escalation trends, risks and recommendations to the Employment Relations Manager.

What It Takes To Succeed

Experience that set you up for success:

• Experience in a fishing, maritime, FMCG, manufacturing or food processing environment is required.
• Minimum 5-7 years employee relations experience in a similar industry.
• Experience in a unionised environment, including disciplinary processes, grievances, consultations and dispute resolution matters.
• Experience preparing documentation for CCMA, bargaining council and arbitration proceedings.
• Experience in representing the employer at CCMA proceedings.
• Experience with drafting collective agreements, recognition agreements and union consultation processes.

Qualifications & Certifications That Will Contribute To Your Success

• A completed three year degree in Industrial Relations, Labour Relations, Law or related field.
• A post graduate Labour Law or dispute resolution qualification.
• Relevant CCMA, bargaining council or chairing disciplinary enquiry training.

Additional Requirements That Will Enhance Your Impact For Success

• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, relevant codes of good practice and Bargaining Council Agreements.
• Working knowledge of CCMA and bargaining council processes.
• Knowledge of disciplinary, grievance, incapacity and dismissal procedures.
• Understanding of unionised operational environments within fishing, maritime, processing, FMCG or manufacturing industries.
• Own transport and willingness to travel to sites.