Industrial Relations Specialist

SUMMARY:
Industrial Relations Specialist Jobs East London | Labour Law | CCMA | Employee Relations | HR

A leading organisation based in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa is seeking an experienced Industrial Relations Specialist to manage employee relations, labour law compliance, and workplace conflict resolution within a dynamic operational environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled IR professional with strong experience in disciplinary processes, CCMA representation, and union engagement to play a key role in maintaining a compliant and productive workplace.

About the Role:
As an Industrial Relations Specialist, you will act as the primary point of contact for all employee relations matters, ensuring alignment with South African labour legislation while promoting a fair and positive work environment.

You will work closely with HR and management to manage disputes, disciplinary processes, and labour relations strategy.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations & Labour Law Compliance (IR Jobs South Africa)

• Develop and implement employee relations policies aligned to company objectives and legal requirements
• Ensure compliance with Labour Relations Act (LRA), BCEA, and other relevant legislation
• Provide guidance to managers on disciplinary processes, performance management, and policy interpretation

• Prepare and represent the company in disciplinary hearings, CCMA, Bargaining Council, and Labour Court matters
• Conduct investigations into grievances, misconduct, and employee disputes
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions and resolutions

• Manage relationships with unions and employee representatives
• Participate in negotiations and collective bargaining processes
• Support implementation of agreements and maintain workplace harmony

• Mediate workplace disputes and support conflict resolution
• Monitor employee satisfaction and identify improvement areas
• Promote a positive and compliant organisational culture

• Develop and deliver training programmes on employee relations and labour law
• Build capability within management to handle IR matters effectively

• Maintain accurate case records, documentation, and reports
• Track trends and provide insights to improve employee relations strategies

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or related field
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in industrial relations (manufacturing environment advantageous)
• Strong knowledge of South African labour laws and regulations
• Proven experience in disciplinary processes, CCMA, and dispute resolution
• Experience in union engagement and collective bargaining

• Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems

• Join a dynamic organisation with a strong focus on compliance and employee relations
• Play a key role in shaping workplace culture and labour practices
• Work closely with leadership on high-impact IR matters
• Opportunity to grow within a professional HR and IR environment