HR Manager - Industrial Relations Focus

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and pension contributions

Performance-related bonuses

Career development opportunities

Annual leave and study assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced HR Manager with a strong Industrial Relations focus for our manufacturing facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee IR, employee engagement and HR operations, ensuring compliance with SA labour law and applicable collective agreements.

The role requires a strategic leader with 8–10 years HR experience, including 5 years in IR leadership, adept at union negotiations, CCMA representations, and building constructive employee relations; you will

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HRM, Law, or Industrial Psychology.
• 8–10 years HR experience, with 5+ years in IR leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of SA labour law (LRA, BCEA, EEA) and Bargaining Council agreements.
• Proven experience in collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and chairing disciplinary hearings.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop HR strategies aligned with operations, with a strong IR focus.
• Lead negotiations with trade unions, dispute resolution, and CCMA representations.
• Ensure compliance with SA labour legislation, policies, and collective agreements.
• Oversee disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• Manage employee relations climate and drive employee engagement initiatives.
• Partner with operations management to provide HR support for all departments.
• Develop workforce planning strategies and HR policies and procedures.
• Manage HR team across recruitment, performance, and training.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

HRIS

Influencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in HRM or related

Post-graduate qualifications advantageous

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced and seasoned HR Manager with a strong specialization in Industrial Relations. This critical leadership role will be based at our facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of industrial relations, employee engagement, and HR operational excellence within the plant. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of labour law, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution within the South African context. This position requires a strategic thinker who can build strong relationships with unions, management, and employees to foster a productive and harmonious working environment. The HR Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's people strategy and ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies that align with the company's operational and business objectives, with a strong emphasis on industrial relations.
• Lead and manage all aspects of industrial relations, including negotiations with trade unions, dispute resolution, and CCMA representations.
• Ensure compliance with all South African labour legislation, company policies, and collective agreements.
• Oversee the implementation and administration of disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• Manage the employee relations climate, proactively addressing potential issues and fostering constructive dialogue.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and promote a culture of respect, safety, and productivity.
• Manage the HR team, providing guidance and support in areas such as recruitment, performance management, and training.
• Develop and implement workforce planning strategies to meet the organization's current and future needs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Partner with operations management to ensure effective HR support for all departments.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Post-graduate qualifications are advantageous.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role with a significant focus on Industrial Relations in a manufacturing or similar industrial environment.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law, including the LRA, BCEA, EEA, and relevant Bargaining Council agreements.
• Proven experience in collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and chairing disciplinary hearings.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in managing HR functions beyond IR, including talent management and organizational development.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex employee relations challenges.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and a high level of integrity.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, with a base salary of up to ZAR per annum, depending on experience and expertise.
• In addition to competitive pay, employees receive generous medical aid and pension fund contributions, as well as performance-related bonuses.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a reputable industrial group.
• The position is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offering exposure to operational challenges and strategic HR initiatives.
• Employees benefit from a strong emphasis on safety, employee well-being, and a collaborative work culture.
• Further benefits include annual leave, potential for study assistance, and involvement in strategic HR projects that shape the future of the organization.