In-House Labour Advisor / Employee Relations Specialist - Bloemfontein

Job Summary

To act as the company's subject matter expert on all South African labour law and employee relations matters. This role is responsible for embedding legally compliant and commercially sound labour practices across the organization. The advisor will partner with HR and line management to proactively manage risk, foster a positive employee relations climate, and align the company's labour strategy with its overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Dispute Management & Resolution:
  • Represent the company at the CCMA and Bargaining Councils for conciliation and arbitration proceedings.
  • Prepare and manage cases for the Labour Court, including the instruction and management of external legal counsel where necessary.
  • Proactively manage and seek to resolve internal grievances and disputes before they escalate.
• Business Partnership & Advisory:
  • Provide pragmatic and timely legal advice to the HR team and line managers on all ER matters, including disciplinary action, performance management, and incapacity procedures.
  • Develop, draft, and implement internal HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
  • Design and deliver training programs for line managers on key labour law topics to build internal capability.
• Restructuring & Change Management:
  • Guide and project-manage the internal process for restructuring, retrenchments (s189/s189A), and transfers of business (s197).
  • Facilitate consultation sessions with affected employees and trade unions, ensuring procedural and substantive fairness.
  • Draft all related documentation, including notices, selection criteria matrices, and settlement agreements.
• Transformation & Compliance:
  • Work closely with the HR and Transformation teams to develop and implement the company's Employment Equity Plan.
  • Ensure the accurate and timely submission of Employment Equity reports to the Department of Labour.
  • Advise on the implementation of learnerships, internships, and other skills development initiatives to support the company's BBBEE scorecard and meet SETA requirements.
• Collective Bargaining & Union Relations:
  • Act as a key representative for the company in its relationship with trade unions.
  • Assist in wage negotiations and consultations on substantive issues.
  • Foster a constructive and stable relationship with union officials and shop stewards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Law (LLB)
• Being an Admitted Attorney is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in a dedicated employee relations or labour law role, either in-house or at a law firm.
• Direct, hands-on experience representing an employer at the CCMA is essential.
• Proven experience in managing retrenchment projects and engaging with trade unions.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Skills:
  • Expert knowledge of the LRA, BCEA, EEA, and related labour legislation.
  • Strong case management and analytical skills.
  • Excellent policy writing and drafting capabilities.

• Soft Skills:
  • Business Acumen: Ability to provide pragmatic advice that aligns with commercial realities.
  • Stakeholder Management: Skill in building credible relationships with senior management, employees, and other roleplayers
  • Resilience & Composure: The ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure, confrontational situations.
  • Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Strong skills in finding mutually agreeable solutions.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.

Remuneration

Salary market related

Interested

Ready to lead and make a measurable impact in the workplace?  Only shortlisted candidates will be considered.

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