Employee Relations Manager – Coastal Region

About the role

The Employee Relations (ER) Manager will own ER activities across the Coastal Region, based at the Philippi distribution centre in Cape Town. You will ensure consistent, fair and legally compliant handling of disciplinary, grievance and dispute processes across multiple sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage all ER activities across the Coastal region (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal) and support other regions as needed.
• Standardise ER processes and ensure consistent application of disciplinary codes, policies and procedures.
• Manage end‑to‑end disciplinary, grievance, misconduct and incapacity cases, chair hearings and oversee documentation.
• Represent the business at CCMA conciliations, arbitrations and other labour tribunals, preparing case files and liaising with legal representatives.
• Ensure compliance with the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act and company policies.
• Attend trade‑union meetings, conduct shop‑steward training and file meeting minutes.
• Act as regional ER subject‑matter expert, delivering training to managers and building ER capability across sites.

Required profile

• Proven experience in employee relations within a high‑volume, multi‑site environment.
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to work independently across geographically dispersed sites.
• In‑depth knowledge of South African labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, Employment Equity).
• Excellent analytical and documentation skills, with the ability to monitor case trends and produce regular reports.

Required skills