Senior Employment Lawyer (Remote)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary package

Medical aid contributions

Retirement fund contributions

Continuous professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Employment Lawyer to join the legal team on a fully remote basis. You will handle all SA employment law matters, draft contracts and policies, represent the company in disputes, and advise on HR strategy.

This is a senior, in-house role requiring independence and strong ethical standards. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of SA employment law experience, Admission as an Attorney or Advocate, and deep knowledge of LRA, BCEA, Skills Development Act and EE Act.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent is required.
• Admission as Attorney or Advocate with practising certificate is required.
• 7+ years of employment law experience in South Africa are required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Labour Relations Act, BCEA, Skills Development Act, EE Act.
• Proven representation experience in CCMA and bargaining council disputes.
• Experience drafting complex employment contracts and policies.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all employment-related matters including hiring, discipline, grievances, dismissals and retrenchments.
• Draft, review and update employment contracts, policies and procedures.
• Represent the company in CCMA and bargaining council conciliation/arbitration.
• Advise HR and management on complex labour law issues and strategic workforce planning.
• Conduct internal investigations into employee misconduct and guide disciplinary processes.
• Stay updated on changes in employment legislation and best practices.
• Develop and deliver training programs on employment law to management and staff.
• Manage legal aspects of restructuring and organizational changes.
• Advise on employment aspects of corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions.
• Ensure compliance with affirmative action and other B-BBEE requirements.

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admission as Attorney or Advocate with practising certificate

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding national retail chain, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Employment Lawyer to join their legal team on a fully remote basis. This critical role will focus exclusively on all aspects of South African employment law, advising the business on compliance, dispute resolution, and strategic HR matters. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting employment contracts, developing HR policies, representing the company in labour disputes, and ensuring adherence to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and other relevant legislation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned employment law specialist to make a significant impact within a large organization while enjoying the benefits of a remote work arrangement, working from Klerksdorp or any other suitable location. You will be a key advisor to our client's leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all employment-related matters, including hiring, discipline, grievances, dismissals, and retrenchments.
• Draft, review, and update employment contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
• Represent the company in conciliation and arbitration proceedings at the CCMA and relevant bargaining councils.
• Advise HR and management on complex labour law issues and strategic workforce planning.
• Conduct internal investigations into employee misconduct and provide legal guidance on disciplinary processes.
• Stay abreast of changes in employment legislation, case law, and best practices.
• Develop and deliver training programs to management and employees on employment law matters.
• Manage the legal aspects of restructuring and organizational changes.
• Advise on employment-related aspects of corporate transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions.
• Ensure compliance with affirmative action and other B-BBEE employment requirements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate with a valid practicing certificate.
• A minimum of 7 years of dedicated experience practicing employment law in South Africa, preferably with significant in-house experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Skills Development Act, and EE Act.
• Proven experience in representing employers in CCMA and bargaining council disputes.
• Demonstrated ability to draft complex employment contracts and policies.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage a demanding caseload, and deliver timely, practical legal advice in a remote setting.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to professional excellence.
• Experience with data privacy implications in employment is a plus.

Benefits

This is a fully remote, full-time, permanent position offering unparalleled flexibility. Our client provides a competitive salary package, regular performance reviews, and potential for career advancement. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are included. Continuous professional development and access to legal resources are prioritized. This role offers the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in South Africa, with Klerksdorp identified as a potential hub, while contributing significantly to a major national employer.