Senior Employment Law Advisor

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Legal research tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Employment Law Advisor to work remotely for a growing hospitality group across South Africa. You will provide expert guidance on disciplinary processes, performance management, retrenchments, and unfair dismissal, applying the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and EEA.

The role also involves developing HR policies, training HR staff, and representing the company in CCMA or labour court as needed. Strong SA labour law knowledge and remote-work capability are essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with LLB or equivalent and admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in SA employment law.
• Strong knowledge of Labour Relations Act, BCEA and EEA; CCMA/Labour Court experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal advice on all employment law matters including disciplinary processes, performance management and termination.
• Develop, review and implement HR policies to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Advise on disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures and performance management processes.
• Manage retrenchment processes and organisational restructuring.
• Represent the company in CCMA and labour court proceedings; liaise with external counsel.
• Conduct training for HR personnel and line managers on employment law compliance.

Skills

Employment Law

Legal Advisory

CCMA/Labour Court

Policy development

Remote work

Education

LLB/Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing hospitality group with operations across South Africa, is looking for an experienced Senior Employment Law Advisor to be based remotely. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with all aspects of employment law across the group's diverse workforce. You will be responsible for providing expert legal advice on a wide range of employment-related matters, including disciplinary processes, performance management, retrenchments, unfair dismissal claims, and the interpretation and application of the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and EEA. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of South African labour law, excellent advisory skills, and the ability to develop and implement effective HR policies and procedures. You will work closely with HR teams, management, and external counsel to proactively manage employment-related risks and foster a positive employee relations environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated employment law specialist to make a significant impact within a prominent organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal advice on all employment law matters, including recruitment, contracts, termination, and dispute resolution.
• Develop, review, and implement HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current legislation.
• Advise on disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, and incapacity/performance management processes.
• Manage and advise on retrenchment processes and organisational restructuring.
• Represent the company in the CCMA and labour court proceedings, or liaise effectively with external counsel.
• Conduct legal training for HR personnel and line managers on employment law compliance.
• Stay abreast of changes in labour legislation and provide proactive guidance on potential impacts.
• Advise on employment equity, affirmative action, and diversity initiatives.
• Manage employment-related litigation and settlements.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements related to employment, including UIF, SDL, and COIDA.

Requirements

• An LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification, admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience specifically focused on South African employment law.
• In-depth knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act, and related legislation.
• Proven experience in advising on complex employment disputes, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Strong understanding of CCMA and Labour Court procedures.
• Excellent advisory, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation to practical business scenarios.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in developing and implementing HR policies and training programs.
• Ability to work independently and manage a remote workload effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Fully remote working arrangement, offering excellent flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized courses and conferences.
• Access to legal research platforms and HR compliance tools.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment within a growing company.
• The chance to contribute significantly to HR strategy and employee relations.
• Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.
• Modern technology and resources to facilitate remote work.