Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

Join a purpose‑led organization as an Employee Relations Specialist, driving a centre of excellence in industrial relations. You will support operations teams, ensure compliance with evolving labour legislation, and foster strong relationships between management, employees, and social partners.

Key responsibilities

• Provide onsite IR support to operations teams and management stakeholders.
• Conduct initial investigations into workplace incidents, grievances, or misconduct.
• Advise managers on disciplinary, grievance, and dispute‑resolution processes.
• Maintain accurate IR records, reports, and statistics.
• Facilitate communication between employees, operations, and HR to prevent and resolve issues.
• Carry out site visits, consultations, and IR compliance audits.
• Identify labour‑relations risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Escalate complex matters to senior HR/IR leadership as needed.
• Stay current on labour‑law amendments, case law, and IR trends, sharing insights with the team.
• Represent the company in conciliations and arbitrations (CCMA and bargaining councils).

Required profile

• Postgraduate degree in Labour Relations and/or HR (Labour Law degree advantageous).
• 3‑5 years proven experience in employee relations with strategic problem‑solving skills.
• Strong track record in mediations, conciliations, and arbitration management.
• Sound understanding of South African labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, EEA, etc.) and experience representing the company before CCMA and Labour Court.
• High business acumen within FMCG environments.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict‑management abilities.

Required skills

• MS Office
• SAP (advantageous)