Job Description

A leading national organisation is seeking a skilled Employee Relations (ER) Specialist to join its Human Resources division. This role is focused on managing day-to-day industrial relations (IR) matters to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant treatment of employees across the business.
The ER Specialist will support line management in all employee relations matters, including misconduct, poor performance, disciplinary processes, and external dispute resolution. The ideal candidate will have a sound understanding of labour legislation, strong investigation skills, and the ability to provide proactive and compliant guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct internal investigations into ER matters, compile reports, and recommend appropriate actions
Provide support to management on poor performance and disciplinary issues, including the preparation of charges
Assist with drafting disciplinary hearing documents and outcomes
Guide managers on preparing for CCMA cases and assist with proceedings where required
Advise on Department of Employment and Labour inspections related to BCEA, OHSA, and other regulations
Contribute to the development of IR policies, procedures, and training materials
Manage the anonymous whistleblower process in compliance with relevant legislation
Participate in ER/IR projects and initiatives as required
Provide regular reporting on ER trends, case statistics, and risk areas
Requirements:
Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources or Industrial Relations
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is advantageous
Minimum of 2 years'' experience in an IR-focused role, or HR Generalist role with strong IR exposure
Experience in the retail or service sectors is advantageous
Sound knowledge of South African labour laws and employee relations frameworks
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent investigative and report-writing ability
Ability to remain impartial, objective, and confidential in sensitive matters
Detail-oriented, highly organised, and able to work under pressure
Strong interpersonal and advisory skills, with the ability to guide and influence line management
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and resilient