Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

Transnet Pipelines is recruiting an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist in Durban Central, reporting to the Senior Specialist: Employee Relations within the People Management department. The specialist handles investigations, suspensions, grievances, PFMA violations, disputes and disciplinary processes, applies policies in line with Transnet and applicable legislation, and ensures collective bargaining and engagement processes are effective. Preference is given to persons with disabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Implement, communicate and ensure compliance with collective agreements with recognised unions, managing internal and external stakeholders
• Interpret and review policies, advise line managers and employees, and help formulate policies
• Maintain ER internal controls such as the monthly ER SAP update and weekly/monthly reports on People Management, industrial action, PFMA and ER matters
• Attend ER forums such as BCM, Employment Equity, Skills Development and industrial action meetings, and take minutes of National and Local Business Committee meetings
• Represent Transnet Pipelines at the Transnet Bargaining Council and CCMA mediation and arbitration, including disciplinary and grievance meetings
• Coordinate and facilitate suspensions, disciplinary, grievance and dispute resolution processes, and investigate reported cases and submit recommendations to management

Required profile

• 3-year degree or national higher diploma in HR or an equivalent Labour Relations qualification; a postgraduate qualification is an advantage
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in Labour Relations
• Experience in major transformation and change management initiatives
• Practical experience of the Bargaining Council and CCMA procedures
• Trust and honesty in handling Employee Relations matters
• Driver's licence code 08; travel to regions across the country as required

Required skills

• Knowledge of labour legislation (LRA, BCEA, EEA) and dispute resolution (CCMA and Bargaining Council)
• Extensive knowledge of discipline and grievance processes and of ER policies and agreements
• Knowledge of Transnet property operations and HCM SAP
• Report writing, legal writing and drafting, project management and accurate reporting
• Leadership, relationship building, negotiation and strong analytical and communication skills