Industrial Relations Specialist

Compass; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare waste management company in KwaZulu-Natal seeks an experienced Industrial Relations Specialist to manage employee relations and ensure compliance with South African labour laws. You will be responsible for managing grievances, collaborating with management and unions, and advising on conflict resolution. The ideal candidate should have a relevant degree, 3–5 years of experience, and superior knowledge of labour legislation. This role offers the opportunity to develop protocols and facilitate training for staff.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in an industrial relations role.
• Superior knowledge of South African labour legislation.
• Knowledge and application of the NBCRFLI Main Agreement will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation.
• Manage grievances and grievance procedures.
• Collaborate with management and unions.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Excellent written and verbal communication in English

Education

Degree in Human Resource Management or Industrial Relations or a legal qualification

Job description

About Us

Compass Medical Waste is committed to providing safe and efficient medical waste management solutions. We pride ourselves on adhering to the highest standards of compliance and delivering excellent service. As we continue to grow, we seek a skilled Industrial Relations Specialist to join our dynamic Human Resources team.

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Industrial Relations Specialist responsible for managing employee relations, ensuring compliance with South African labour legislation, and fostering a positive workplace environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial relations and the ability to navigate both high-volume routine matters and complex employee issues effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with South African labour legislation and related laws
• Manage grievances and grievance procedures, ensuring timely resolution
• Collaborate with management and unions to maintain compliance with collective agreements
• Analyze and develop operating procedures related to industrial relations
• Develop, maintain, and update strike and contingency plans, monitor strike action, and advise on the handling thereof, including applications for strike interdicts
• Advise management on conflict resolution and disciplinary actions
• Oversee the development of industrial relations protocols, procedures, and handbooks
• Facilitate training sessions on industrial relations and labour laws for all staff levels
• Conduct internal audits of HR practices and ensure continual improvement
• Prepare correspondence regarding online arbitrations / con‑arb objections / jurisdictional rulings / organisational rights demands / objections to legal representation / subpoenaing of witnesses / applications to admit expert witnesses / interlocutaries / s189, s197, and other IR matters
• Assist Initiators to compile their evidence packs / ability to compile CCMA Bundles
• Attend CCMA matters as required

Expected Qualifications and Qualities

• Degree in Human Resource Management or Industrial Relations or a legal qualification
• 3–5 years of experience in an industrial relations role, with proven practical exposure to the above key responsibilities.
• Superior knowledge of South African labour legislation
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information
• Ability to provide IR solutions
• Knowledge and application of the NBCRFLI Main Agreement will be an advantage, and experience with Exemption Applications
• Integrity
• Sense of urgency
• Excellent work ethic
• Stability – prepared to join us for the long‑haul