Senior Employment Lawyer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus structure

Fully remote working

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Employment Lawyer to join a remote-first legal team serving a major national retailer. You will advise on complex labor disputes, ensure BCEA/LRA/EEA compliance, and develop HR policies for operations nationwide, including Limpopo regions around Polokwane.

The role requires an Admitted Attorney with 9+ years in employment law, strong drafting and advocacy skills, and the ability to work independently in a fully remote setting.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA with 9+ years' PQE in employment law.
• Proven track record representing employers in labor disputes.
• Strong drafting skills for contracts and policies.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on all aspects of employment law including recruitment, disciplinary actions, grievances, performance management, and terminations.
• Represent the company in CCMA and Bargaining Council proceedings and Labour Court litigation.
• Draft, review, and implement employment contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with BCEA, LRA, EEA, and related legislation.
• Advise on retrenchment processes and restructures and their legal implications.
• Conduct employment law training for managers and HR personnel.
• Manage investigations into workplace misconduct and harassment claims.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and case law impacting employment relations.
• Advise on strategic HR initiatives and legal implications of organizational change.
• Collaborate with remote HR teams and business leaders to mitigate risks.

Skills

Employment law expert

Admitted Attorney

Litigation & advocacy

Remote work capability

Contract drafting

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retail group with extensive operations, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Employment Lawyer to join their dedicated legal team. This role is being offered on a fully remote basis, providing exceptional flexibility for the right candidate. Operating in relation to the commercial hub of Polokwane, Limpopo , you will be the primary legal advisor on all employment-related matters across the organization. This includes advising on complex labor disputes, compliance with BCEA, LRA, EEA, and other employment legislation, as well as developing and implementing robust HR policies and procedures. This is a critical role requiring deep expertise in South African labor law and the ability to provide strategic guidance to senior management and HR departments. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and possess excellent advisory and advocacy skills, essential for a remote-first position.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of employment law, including recruitment, disciplinary actions, grievances, performance management, and terminations.
• Represent the company in CCMA and Bargaining Council proceedings, as well as in Labour Court litigation.
• Draft, review, and implement employment contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, and other relevant legislation.
• Advise on retrenchment processes, business restructures, and related legal implications.
• Conduct employment law training for managers and HR personnel.
• Manage investigations into workplace misconduct and harassment claims.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and case law impacting employment relations.
• Advise on strategic HR initiatives and the legal implications of organizational change.
• Collaborate effectively with remote HR teams and business leaders to mitigate employment-related risks.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 9 years' post-qualification experience exclusively in employment law.
• Proven track record of successfully representing employers in labor disputes and negotiations.
• In-depth knowledge of South African labor legislation and the ability to apply it practically.
• Strong drafting skills for employment contracts and policies.
• Excellent advocacy and dispute resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a high volume of casework in a remote setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience advising multi-national or large retail organizations is advantageous.
• Commitment to providing strategic legal support to the client's operations in the Limpopo region.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Fully remote working arrangement with the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in a specialized field.
• Significant impact on shaping employment practices for a leading national retailer, managed remotely in support of areas near Polokwane .