Specialist: Employee Relations

About this role

Transnet Pipelines, part of the Transnet group, is recruiting an Employee Relations Specialist based in Durban Central. The role supports management and staff in keeping the workplace stable and fair, mainly through disputes, investigations and collective bargaining.

What you’ll do

• Put collective agreements with recognised unions into practice, and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advise line managers and employees on People Management policies, and help review and shape those policies.
• Run day-to-day ER controls, including monthly updates to the ER SAP module and the People Management, industrial action, PFMA and ER weekly and monthly reports.
• Represent Transnet Pipelines at forums such as Business Continuity Management, Employment Equity and Skills Development meetings, and industrial action meetings.
• Handle suspensions, disciplinary matters, grievances and other dispute processes, including representing the business at Bargaining Council and CCMA mediation and arbitration.
• Investigate employee relations cases and tip-offs, then present recommendations to management.

What you need

• A 3-year degree or National Higher Diploma in HR or Labour Relations, or an equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in labour relations.
• Practical experience of the Bargaining Council and CCMA procedures.
• Knowledge of labour legislation, including the LRA, BCEA and EEA.
• Experience with major transformation and change management initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of discipline and grievance processes, and of HR policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of HCM SAP, report writing and full computer literacy.
• A valid driver’s licence, code 08.
• Willingness to travel to regions across the country when needed.
• Advantageous: a postgraduate qualification.

Is this job for you?

This role suits an experienced labour relations professional who is comfortable handling sensitive cases and speaking up in management meetings. You should be discreet, detail-driven and confident writing reports and legal documents.

Tips before you apply

• Have your degree or diploma certificate, proof of your 8+ years in labour relations, and a copy of your driver’s licence ready.
• Show specific CCMA, Bargaining Council and disciplinary cases you have handled, and say what your role was in each.
• Use the wording from the requirements in your CV, and give examples of ER reports, policy work or SAP reporting you have done.