HR Manager - Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks an accomplished HR Manager focused on Employee Relations to lead HR functions and strategic initiatives. You will guide policies, ensure lawful practices, and drive engagement across the organization.

The role requires building strong relationships with senior leadership, resolving complex employee relations issues, and delivering training and investigations with integrity and discretion.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in HR, law, industrial psychology or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in HR with at least 4 years in employee relations or HR management.
• In-depth knowledge of SA labor law (BCEA/LRA/EEA) and codes of practice.
• Proven experience in workplace investigations and dispute mediation.
• Strong negotiation, communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Leadership experience and ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Strategic thinker translating business goals into HR initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee employee relations strategies and programs.
• Manage grievances, disciplinary actions and disputes fairly.
• Advise on legal requirements and labour law best practices.
• Conduct investigations into complaints and workplace issues.
• Deliver training for managers and employees (conflict resolution, discipline, harassment).
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Foster an inclusive culture and promote engagement and satisfaction.
• Contribute to HR strategy including talent, performance and compensation.
• Lead and mentor the HR team to ensure effective service delivery.
• Analyze HR data to identify trends and proactive solutions.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor law knowledge

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Investigations

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in HR/related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and strategic HR Manager with a strong focus on Employee Relations to lead their HR functions in **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This senior position demands a leader who can navigate complex employee relations issues, foster a positive and productive work environment, and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that ensure fairness, compliance, and employee engagement. This role is crucial for maintaining a harmonious workplace and supporting the company's growth objectives in the vibrant **Cape Town** market. We are looking for an individual with exceptional interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the legal and ethical considerations surrounding employee relations in South Africa. The HR Manager will work closely with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals and promote a culture of respect and accountability. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth and impact within a well-established company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive employee relations strategies and programs.
• Manage and resolve complex employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and disputes with fairness and impartiality.
• Advise management on legal requirements and best practices related to employee relations, including labor law compliance.
• Conduct thorough investigations into employee complaints and workplace issues.
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on topics such as conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures, and harassment prevention.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.
• Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture that promotes employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Contribute to the development and execution of overall HR strategy, including talent management, performance management, and compensation.
• Lead and mentor the HR team, providing guidance and support to ensure effective service delivery.
• Analyze HR data and metrics to identify trends and recommend proactive solutions for employee relations challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 4 years in a dedicated Employee Relations or HR Management role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor law, BCEA, LRA, EEA, and relevant codes of practice.
• Proven experience in conducting workplace investigations and mediating disputes.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with employees and management.
• Experience in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate business objectives into HR initiatives.
• Leadership experience with a track record of developing and motivating teams.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to confidentiality.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
• Key role in shaping the future of HR for a prominent organization in **Cape Town**.
• Access to cutting-edge HR resources and networking opportunities.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment.