HR Manager - Compliance & Employee Relations

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Annual bonus

Professional development

Wellness program

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring an experienced HR Manager to lead Compliance and Employee Relations at our Richards Bay site in KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee all aspects of legal compliance, policy development, and complex employee relations in a demanding industrial setting.

The role requires a deep understanding of South African labor law, strong investigative and mediation skills, and the ability to work with unions and management to foster a fair, safe and productive workplace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HRM, Law or related field.
• Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years HR experience, with at least 5 years in Compliance and Employee Relations.
• Deep knowledge of SA labour law incl LRA, BCEA & EE Act.
• Proven experience in managing ER cases and navigating union relations.
• Excellent investigative, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation and leadership abilities.
• Experience in manufacturing/industrial sector essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR compliance with SA labor laws and regulations.
• Develop, implement and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Lead and manage employee relations, including grievances, discipline and dispute resolution.
• Conduct thorough investigations into complaints and policy violations.
• Advise senior management on legal and HR best practices to minimize risk.
• Manage relationships with labor unions and negotiations.
• Develop and deliver training on compliance and ER topics.
• Ensure effective implementation of performance management systems.
• Champion ethical conduct, respect and inclusivity.

Skills

Leadership

ER investigations

Mediation

Communication

Negotiation

HR policy

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HRM/Law

Master’s degree advantageous

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking a seasoned HR Manager to lead their Compliance and Employee Relations functions in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This critical role involves ensuring adherence to all labor laws, developing and enforcing HR policies, and managing complex employee relations issues to foster a safe, fair, and productive work environment. You will be the go-to expert for all compliance-related matters and will play a key role in mitigating risks and promoting a positive employee culture. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of South African labor legislation, strong investigative and mediation skills, and a proven ability to build collaborative relationships with employees, management, and unions. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach to HR management in a demanding industrial setting. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of HR compliance with South African labor laws and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Lead and manage employee relations activities, including grievance handling, disciplinary processes, and dispute resolution.
• Conduct thorough investigations into employee complaints and policy violations.
• Advise senior management on legal and HR best practices to minimize risk.
• Manage relationships with labor unions and facilitate constructive negotiations.
• Develop and deliver training programs on compliance and employee relations topics.
• Ensure the effective implementation of performance management systems.
• Champion a culture of ethical conduct, respect, and inclusivity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Law, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years focused on Compliance and Employee Relations management.
• Deep and up-to-date knowledge of South African labor law, including the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and Employment Equity Act.
• Proven experience in managing complex ER cases and navigating union relations.
• Excellent investigative, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities.
• Experience in the manufacturing or industrial sector is essential.
• Proficiency in HRIS and standard office software.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound judgments.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive medical aid, a substantial pension fund, annual bonuses, and opportunities for professional development.
• Employees receive generous annual leave and access to robust employee wellness programs.
• The role is based at our key operational site in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, offering a challenging yet rewarding work environment.
• Join a company that prioritizes compliance, employee well-being, and career growth.