Human Resources Manager - Employee Relations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Incentives

Hybrid work

Durban office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Human Resources Manager with a strong focus on Employee Relations to join our Durban team. The role requires handling policy development, investigations, and guidance on complex HR matters.

The successful candidate will apply South African labour law knowledge, manage grievance procedures, train managers, and collaborate with legal counsel in a hybrid work setting that balances office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive HR experience with focus on employee relations and labour law.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA).
• Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and mediating disputes.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements and unions (if applicable).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills; tact and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain employee relations policies and procedures aligned with legal requirements.
• Lead grievance and disciplinary processes with fairness and procedural fairness.
• Conduct thorough investigations into complaints, grievances and misconduct.
• Provide coaching to line managers on employee relations, performance, and compliance.
• Identify potential employee relations risks and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and deliver training for managers and employees on HR topics.
• Maintain confidential employee records with data privacy compliance.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on complex employee relations cases.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in labour legislation and industry trends.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor law

Investigation

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Law/Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Human Resources Manager with a strong focus on Employee Relations to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role requires a seasoned HR professional who can expertly manage all aspects of employee relations, ensuring a fair, consistent, and compliant work environment. You will be responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, managing grievance procedures, conducting investigations, and providing guidance to management and employees on complex HR matters. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional conflict resolution skills, a thorough understanding of South African labour law, and a commitment to fostering positive employee relations. This role involves a hybrid work arrangement, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to contribute effectively to our client's success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive employee relations policies and procedures in line with legal requirements and best practices.
• Lead and manage all aspects of the grievance and disciplinary processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, and adherence to procedural fairness.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints, grievances, and misconduct allegations.
• Provide expert advice and coaching to line managers on employee relations issues, performance management, and legal compliance.
• Proactively identify potential employee relations risks and implement preventative measures to foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and deliver training programs to managers and employees on topics such as conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures, and HR policies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Collaborate with legal counsel when necessary to manage complex employee relations cases.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in labour legislation and industry trends impacting employee relations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive HR experience with a significant focus on employee relations and labour law.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of South African labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, EEA, SDA).
• Proven experience in conducting workplace investigations and mediating disputes.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements and union relations, if applicable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in both an office environment and remotely, demonstrating strong organizational skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a pension fund, and performance-based incentives. This hybrid role provides the flexibility of working remotely on designated days, combined with the benefits of in-person collaboration and team building in our Durban office. Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement within a reputable organization are provided. Join a supportive team environment where your expertise in employee relations is highly valued.