Employee Relations and Compliance Specialist

SUMMARY:
Introduction A fintech payments company focused on enabling entrepreneurs to participate in South Africa's digital economy is seeking an Employee Relations and Compliance Specialist to join its People Team. Reporting to the People Experience Manager, you will take ownership of industrial relations cases, people policy development and compliance man...

POSITION INFO:
Introduction A fintech payments company focused on enabling entrepreneurs to participate in South Africa's digital economy is seeking an Employee Relations and Compliance Specialist to join its People Team. Reporting to the People Experience Manager, you will take ownership of industrial relations cases, people policy development and compliance management across the group of companies. This is a hands-on role requiring sound judgement, empathy and rigorous attention to detail in managing sensitive employee matters fairly and consistently. Key Responsibilities Manage allocated employee relations and industrial relations cases from initial assessment through to conclusion, including misconduct, grievances, poor performance, incapacity and absenteeism matters Conduct and coordinate fact-finding and workplace investigations, gathering relevant information, interviewing parties and testing assumptions to ensure all perspectives and evidence are considered Work directly with managers and employees to explain processes, coordinate next steps and ensure matters progress fairly, consistently and in line with company policy and applicable legislation Draft and manage industrial relations documentation, including warnings, counselling letters, suspension letters, hearing notices, charge sheets and outcome letters Coordinate disciplinary hearings and represent the company in disciplinary and CCMA matters within the scope of the role, including preparation of referral packs, hearing packs and conciliation and arbitration bundles Maintain complete case files, accurate industrial relations registers and key case deadlines, and consult with the People Experience Manager on risk, precedent and complex matters Identify recurring employee relations themes and trends and raise these with the People Experience Manager to inform preventative action, manager support, policy changes or training Draft, review and maintain people policies, procedures and standard operating procedures for review and approval by management Translate legislation and policy requirements into clear, practical processes, templates, guides and standard correspondence that managers and employees can apply consistently Review existing policies and processes, identify gaps or inconsistencies and recommend practical improvements Maintain the people compliance calendar, registers and supporting documentation across the group, ensuring key statutory activities and deadlines are tracked in advance Coordinate the preparation of Employment Equity plans, reports, committee documentation and quarterly Employment Equity meetings Support BBBEE Skills Development activities and work with the Learning and Development Manager on relevant WSP, ATR and Skills Development requirements Coordinate people-related compliance documentation for audits, inspections and statutory requirements, including Employment Equity, COIDA, OHSA and POPIA requirements where applicable Maintain accurate industrial relations and compliance reports, registers and employee records, identify gaps or risks early and follow through on agreed corrective actions Requirements A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Law or a related field Approximately 4 to 6 years of relevant Human Resources or People experience, including proven experience owning industrial relations cases from end to end Practical experience managing misconduct, grievances, poor performance, incapacity and workplace investigations, together with hands-on experience drafting industrial relations documentation A deep and practical working understanding of disciplinary and CCMA processes, including experience representing or supporting an employer in hearings or CCMA matters Demonstrated experience drafting or updating people policies, procedures and standard operating procedures Working knowledge of relevant South African labour legislation and experience supporting Employment Equity, Health and Safety, WSP, ATR, BBBEE Skills Development or other people compliance activities Strong Microsoft 365 capability Own vehicle and a valid driver's licence Willingness to travel between offices as required, including Cape Town and Stellenbosch, with travel to Durban and Johannesburg as needed Preferably based in Cape Town Preferred: Experience with Power BI, AI tools, multiple legal entities or a regulated industry The role is hybrid with three days per week in the office.