HR Manager (Employee Relations Focus)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonus

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced HR Manager focused on Employee Relations to lead strategy, ensure labor law compliance, and proactively resolve workplace issues.

You will partner with senior management, advise on performance management and terminations, conduct investigations, and implement training on labor standards, contributing to a fair and compliant workplace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations and labor law.
• Experience handling CCMA/Bargaining Council disputes and disciplinary hearings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive employee relations strategies and policies.
• Proactively manage grievances, disciplinary issues, and workplace disputes.
• Ensure compliance with SA labor legislation (LRA, BCEA) and advise on related matters.
• Support line managers on ER matters, performance management and terminations.
• Conduct internal investigations into misconduct or policy violations.
• Deliver training on labor law compliance and ER best practices to managers and staff.
• Represent the company in union consultations and employee forums.
• Analyze ER trends to identify risk and drive policy improvements.
• Foster open communication and a fair, respectful workplace culture.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor law

Dispute resolution

Negotiation

Mediation

Stakeholder management

Policy development

HRIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Law/Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial group in Durban , KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated HR Manager with a specialized focus on Employee Relations. This senior position is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive workplace by proactively managing employee relations, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and implementing effective dispute resolution strategies. You will be a key member of the HR leadership team, contributing to the overall HR strategy and ensuring that the organization's people practices support its operational goals. This role offers the opportunity to shape the employee experience within a large and established organization in a key economic hub of South Africa. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of complex industrial relations environments and a strong commitment to fairness and ethical conduct. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to employee advocacy and management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive employee relations strategies and policies.
• Proactively manage and resolve employee grievances, disciplinary issues, and workplace disputes.
• Ensure strict adherence to all South African labor legislation, including the Labour Relations Act and BCEA.
• Advise and support line managers on all employee relations matters, including performance management and terminations.
• Conduct internal investigations into allegations of misconduct or policy violations.
• Develop and deliver training programs to managers and employees on labor law compliance and employee relations best practices.
• Represent the company in consultations with trade unions and employee representative forums.
• Analyze employee relations trends and metrics to identify areas for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Contribute to the development of HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and promote a positive work culture.
• Foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and fairness throughout the organization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with a significant focus on employee relations and labor law.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, and CCMA/Bargaining Council disputes.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor legislation, collective bargaining, and industrial relations practices.
• Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to influence and build trust with diverse stakeholders, including senior management, employees, and union representatives.
• Experience in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including excellent medical aid, a generous provident fund, and an annual performance-based bonus.

• excellent medical aid
• a generous provident fund
• an annual performance-based bonus
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and career advancement are a core part of our client's commitment to its employees.
• This role is based in Durban , offering a dynamic work environment and the chance to live in a vibrant coastal city.
• Our client fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, and provides a challenging yet rewarding career path.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates from outside the region.
• Be part of a team that values integrity and strives for excellence.