Senior HR Advisor - Employee Relations & Compliance

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid coverage

Retirement fund

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Collaborative work environment

Wellness and EAP

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior HR Advisor specialized in Employee Relations and Compliance for our East London hub. You will provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, ensure legal compliance, and uphold consistent HR policy application.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in HR/Law/Industrial Psychology (Master’s or CIPM advantageous) and 7+ years’ experience, preferably in automotive/manufacturing sectors within the East London area.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience focused on employee relations and compliance.
• Experience in East London area, preferably in automotive/manufacturing sector.
• Strong negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills; high integrity and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance on employee relations and HR compliance to management.
• Lead investigations into grievances, disciplinary matters and disputes.
• Ensure fair application of HR policies across the organization.
• Interpret SA labor law (LRA, BCEA, EEA) and advise stakeholders.
• Develop training and conduct audits to improve HR practices.
• Manage statutory reporting and records; support HR initiatives.

Skills

Employee relations

Compliance

Investigations

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Law, Industrial Psychology, or related field

Master's degree or CIPM certification (advantage)

Tools

HRIS systems

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of automotive services, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior HR Advisor with a specialization in Employee Relations and Compliance. This key position is based at their operational hub in East London, Eastern Cape . You will be responsible for providing expert advice and support on complex employee relations issues, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering a fair and consistent application of HR policies. This role is critical in maintaining a positive and productive work environment, mitigating risks, and ensuring adherence to South African labor law. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of industrial relations and a proactive approach to managing workplace dynamics within the automotive sector.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic guidance and support to management on all aspects of employee relations and HR compliance. Lead and manage investigations into grievances, disciplinary matters, and other employee disputes. Ensure consistent and fair application of HR policies and procedures across the organization. Interpret and advise on South African labor legislation, including the LRA, BCEA, and EEA. Develop and implement proactive strategies to minimize employee relations risks and promote a positive workplace culture. Facilitate consultations with employees, unions, and other relevant stakeholders. Contribute to the development and delivery of training programs on employee relations and compliance topics. Conduct regular audits of HR practices to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement. Manage all aspects of HR compliance, including statutory reporting and record-keeping. Support broader HR initiatives and projects as needed.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with a strong emphasis on Employee Relations and Compliance. Demonstrated experience within the East London, Eastern Cape area, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing industry. In-depth knowledge and practical application of South African labor law and industrial relations practices. Proven experience in conducting complex investigations and managing disciplinary processes. Excellent negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. High level of integrity, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. Proficiency in HRIS systems and MS Office Suite. A Master's degree or professional HR certification (e.g., CIPM) is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage, including specialist consultations and hospital plans, is provided.
• A significant contribution is made to a retirement fund.
• Employees benefit from extensive opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, workshops, and industry conferences.
• Generous annual leave is granted, along with other statutory leave benefits.
• The role is based at our modern facility in East London , offering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Access to employee wellness and EAP programs is also available.