Lead Employee Relations Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training opportunities

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Employee Relations Specialist to oversee investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions in Durban, ensuring fair policy application.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in HR with a strong ER focus, plus deep knowledge of South African labour law and exceptional mediation and communication skills.

Join a dynamic team and mentor junior staff while guiding policy development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Law, or Industrial Psychology, or related field.
• 8+ years HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations.
• Proven ER investigations and conflict-resolution track record.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law and HR best practices.
• Strong mediation, communication, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of employee relations, including investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• Provide expert advice and counsel to management and employees on ER-related matters.
• Develop, implement, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Conduct thorough and objective investigations into employee complaints and workplace issues.
• Mediate disputes and facilitate constructive resolutions between employees and management.
• Analyze ER trends and data to identify potential risks and develop preventative strategies.
• Develop and deliver training programs on employee relations, conflict resolution, and policy adherence.
• Collaborate with legal counsel when necessary on complex ER matters.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of HR policies and procedures across the organization.
• Promote a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

Mediation

Policy development

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Law, or Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and innovative organization situated in the vibrant coastal city of Durban , is actively seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Lead Employee Relations Specialist. This senior position is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment by expertly managing employee concerns, investigations, and the consistent application of company policies. You will play a key role in advising management, mediating disputes, and developing proactive strategies to prevent workplace conflicts. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the employee relations function within a growing company, contributing significantly to a positive workplace culture in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of labor laws, strong investigative skills, and a commitment to fair and ethical HR practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of employee relations, including investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• Provide expert advice and counsel to management and employees on ER-related matters.
• Develop, implement, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Conduct thorough and objective investigations into employee complaints and workplace issues.
• Mediate disputes and facilitate constructive resolutions between employees and management.
• Analyze ER trends and data to identify potential risks and develop preventative strategies.
• Develop and deliver training programs on employee relations, conflict resolution, and policy adherence.
• Collaborate with legal counsel when necessary on complex ER matters.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of HR policies and procedures across the organization.
• Promote a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in Human Resources, with a significant focus on employee relations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex ER investigations and resolutions.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labour law and HR best practices.
• Strong mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document investigations clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Leadership experience and the ability to mentor junior HR staff.
• Proficiency in HR information systems.
• Experience working in Durban or the surrounding KwaZulu-Natal region is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package,
• a comprehensive medical aid plan,
• a valuable retirement fund contribution.
• We believe in investing in our employees' professional growth and provide opportunities for advanced training and certifications.
• This role comes with significant responsibility and the potential for career advancement within our expanding organization.
• Join a dynamic team in a beautiful coastal city, where your contributions to employee relations will be highly valued and recognized.
• Our client is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment in Durban .