HR Manager - Employee Relations Lead

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Professional development

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead Employee Relations in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role will develop ER strategies, ensure fair and compliant practices, and handle complex grievances and investigations.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in HRM/Law, 8+ years in HR with 5+ in ER, solid SA labour law/CCMA knowledge, and excellent interpersonal skills. The position offers a hybrid work model and leadership development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HRM, Law, Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• 8+ years in HR with 5+ years in Employee Relations.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour law (BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA) and CCMA procedures.
• Experience conducting complex investigations and managing disciplinary hearings.
• Ability to advise senior leadership on sensitive ER matters.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment and across different work models.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SABPP) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ER strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct investigations into grievances, disputes, and policy violations.
• Provide guidance to management and employees on ER issues and disciplinary processes.
• Ensure compliance with SA labour laws and CCMA procedures.
• Identify ER risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Deliver ER training to managers and staff.
• Manage the disciplinary process with fairness and legality.
• Oversee grievance procedures and timely resolutions.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on ER matters.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture and engagement.
• Analyze ER data to identify systemic issues and propose solutions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HRM/Law/Industrial Psychology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and skilled HR Manager to lead their Employee Relations function in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of employee relations across the organization, ensuring a fair, compliant, and positive workplace culture. The HR Manager will act as a primary point of contact for complex employee grievances, investigations, and disciplinary matters. This position offers a dynamic hybrid work arrangement, blending remote flexibility with essential in-office collaboration. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping HR policy and fostering strong, constructive relationships between management and employees. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive employee relations strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct thorough and objective investigations into employee grievances, disputes, and policy violations.
• Provide expert guidance and support to management and employees on complex ER issues, including disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African labor laws, regulations, and collective agreements.
• Proactively identify potential ER risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop and deliver training programs to managers and employees on ER best practices, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures.
• Manage the disciplinary process, ensuring fairness, consistency, and adherence to legal requirements.
• Oversee the grievance procedure, ensuring timely and effective resolution of employee complaints.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on complex ER matters and represent the company in relevant forums if necessary.
• Drive initiatives to promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture and enhance employee engagement.
• Analyze ER data and trends to identify systemic issues and recommend proactive solutions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with a strong emphasis (5+ years) on Employee Relations management.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of South African labor law (BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA, etc.) and CCMA procedures.
• Proven experience conducting complex investigations and managing disciplinary hearings.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership on sensitive ER matters.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment and managing ER across different work models.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SABPP) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Hybrid working model for enhanced work-life balance.
• Generous annual leave and other statutory benefits.
• Access to employee assistance programs.
• Performance-driven bonuses.
• A challenging and rewarding role in a dynamic organization.