IR Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Employee Relations Specialist to manage and support all employee and industrial relations processes. This role is critical in ensuring legal compliance, fair labour practices, and the effective resolution of workplace matters.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, you will coordinate disciplinary processes, CCMA cases, labour audits, and investigations, while providing expert guidance to operations and ensuring HR compliance and administrative excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison with Operations on all employee relations matters
• Support and guide Operations in drafting charges and warnings
• Partner with external labour consultants and employer organisations on all IR processes, including disciplinary enquiries, consultations, audits, and training
• Coordinate disciplinary enquiries, ensuring outcomes are received and communicated timeously
• Ensure the consistent and accurate application of sanctions
• Prepare and coach initiators ahead of disciplinary hearings
• Oversee all CCMA matters, including preparation sessions, documentation, and witness readiness
• Maintain and update ER trackers (warnings, disciplinary enquiries, CCMA cases) daily
• Manage incapacity processes (performance and ill health), including initiation where required
• Coordinate and respond to Department of Labour audits, including submissions and objections
• Ensure all legal documentation (rescissions, condonations, objections, in limine applications) is completed within required timeframes
• Support organisational change processes such as Section 189 and 197
• Oversee Employment Equity submissions
• Provide general support within the Human Capital function as needed

Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Relevant tertiary qualification (LLB, BCom Law, or Industrial Psychology preferred)
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Experience within the retail sector is advantageous

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively
• Integrity and professionalism
• Reliable and consistent under pressure
• Adaptable in a fast-paced environment