HR Manager - Employee Relations

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Annual leave

Professional development

Wellness programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced HR Manager specializing in Employee Relations to drive strategies that foster a positive, compliant workplace. You will advise senior management on complex ER issues, lead investigations, and shape engagement and dispute resolution across the organization.

The role requires strong knowledge of South African labor law, change management, and collaboration with legal counsel.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in HR, Law, Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• 8+ years' progressive HR experience with a focus on Employee Relations.
• Expertise in workplace investigations, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law (LRA, BCEA).

Responsibilities

• Lead ER strategies to promote a positive workplace culture.
• Investigate grievances, disciplinary actions, and disputes.
• Advise management on complex ER matters.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on sensitive ER issues.
• Develop training for managers on conflict resolution and conduct.
• Maintain and update HR policies for legal compliance.
• Monitor employee sentiment and manage change initiatives.
• Liaise with employee representatives and unions where applicable.

Skills

Employee relations

Workplace investigations

Mediation

Advising senior management

Policy development

Change management

Labour law (SA)

Communication

Education

Master's degree (HR / Law / Industrial Psychology)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution headquartered in Pretoria, Gauteng , is actively seeking an experienced HR Manager with a specialization in Employee Relations. This pivotal role will lead the development and implementation of strategies aimed at fostering a positive and productive work environment, minimizing workplace conflict, and ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies. You will be a key advisor to senior management on complex employee relations matters and will play a crucial role in shaping the company's approach to employee engagement and dispute resolution. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead critical HR functions within a respected organization in the nation's administrative capital. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of employment law and a proven ability to navigate sensitive HR challenges effectively in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive employee relations strategies to promote a positive workplace culture.
• Lead investigations into employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and workplace disputes, ensuring fairness and compliance.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to management and employees on complex employee relations issues.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and external advisors on sensitive ER matters.
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on topics such as conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures, and workplace conduct.
• Review and update HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practices.
• Monitor employee sentiment and proactively identify potential areas of conflict or concern.
• Manage all aspects of the disciplinary process, from investigation to resolution.
• Foster strong working relationships with employee representatives and unions, where applicable.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with a strong focus on Employee Relations.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting workplace investigations, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law, including the Labour Relations Act and BCEA.
• Proven ability to advise senior management on complex ER matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in managing change initiatives and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Familiarity with the business landscape in Gauteng is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, a generous retirement fund contribution, and performance-based bonuses. You will receive ample annual leave, opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, and access to wellness programs. The hybrid work model allows for a flexible approach to work, combining office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. This role is based in Pretoria and offers significant career advancement potential within a leading financial institution.