HR Generalist - Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Remote work

Training & development

Equipment provided

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a proactive HR Generalist with Employee Relations specialization to join a prominent manufacturing firm near Durban. The role centers on managing grievances, disciplinary actions, and legal compliance across the organization, while supporting onboarding, administration, and performance management.

You will advise managers, develop policies, and conduct HR audits to ensure fair and consistent practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, IR, Law or related field.
• At least 5 years in an HR Generalist role with emphasis on employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of SA labour laws (BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA).
• Experience conducting investigations and managing disciplinary hearings.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in manufacturing sector is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve employee grievances and disputes.
• Manage disciplinary processes, including hearings and policy compliance.
• Advise line managers on employee relations and legal compliance.
• Develop and update HR policies and procedures.
• Conduct HR audits for labour law compliance.
• Support HR generalist tasks: onboarding, administration and performance management.
• Promote positive employee relations through proactive communication.
• Maintain accurate employee records related to disciplinary actions and grievances.
• Assist in training on employee relations best practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Discretion

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/IR/Law

Tools

MS Office

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing firm located near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented HR Generalist with a specialization in Employee Relations. This role is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment by effectively managing employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and compliance with labour laws. The successful candidate will be the go-to person for employee queries, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the organization. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational efficiency and ethical conduct of the business in the Durban region.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve employee grievances and disputes in a timely and fair manner.
• Manage disciplinary processes, including conducting hearings and ensuring compliance with company policy and labour law.
• Advise line managers on employee relations matters, best practices, and legal compliance.
• Develop, review, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure they are current and effective.
• Conduct HR audits to ensure compliance with South African labour legislation.
• Support the HR team with generalist HR functions, including onboarding, HR administration, and performance management.
• Promote a positive employee relations climate through proactive communication and engagement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate employee records and documentation related to disciplinary actions and grievances.
• Assist in developing and delivering training on employee relations best practices to management and staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in an HR Generalist role, with a strong focus on employee relations.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law (BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA).
• Proven experience in conducting investigations, managing disciplinary hearings, and resolving disputes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and HR information systems.
• Experience working within the manufacturing sector is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund.
• The role provides significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape employee relations within the company.
• Our client is committed to employee growth and offers opportunities for further training and professional development.
• This position is designed as a remote role, allowing for flexibility and a better work-life balance.
• Join a supportive team and contribute to a fair and respectful workplace culture.
• We provide all necessary equipment and support for remote employees.