Vacancy Details

We are seeking a Senior Specialist in Employee Relations to develop, deliver, and maintain a business-focused employee relations strategy for Transnet Port Terminals. This role is critical in ensuring that our Employee Relations team meets its objectives and business plans, fostering a fair, respectful, diverse, and high-performance culture where employees can contribute their best.

Position Outputs:

• Develop a progressive employee relations strategy aligned with Transnet Port Terminals’ needs.
• Ensure PM policies and processes are up-to-date, legally compliant, and coherent with other Transnet divisions.
• Identify and implement positive employee relations programs to enhance workforce efficiency and motivation.
• Monitor performance indicators (grievances, disciplines, disputes, sickness absenteeism) and collaborate with People Management specialists to develop solutions.
• Lead negotiations and consultations with labour organizations to achieve positive outcomes.
• Manage employee relations aspects of organizational changes, including structure, grading, rewards, redeployment, redundancy, and employment contracts.
• Provide high-quality support, training, and advice on employee relations issues, including change management, grievances, poor management, disciplinary action, and union engagement.
• Liaise with external legal advisors, Transnet Bargaining Council, and CCMA on Labour Relations issues.
• Compile and manage the department’s operating budget to ensure target compliance and cost containment.
• Allocate work, assess progress, coach, train, and motivate subordinates to ensure productive staff utilization and performance culture.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial/Employee Relations, Labour Law, or related field.
• Post Graduate Qualification in a related field is an advantage.
• 10-12 years of Employee Relations experience (in-house, Labour Court, CCMA, etc.), with 5 years at a senior manager level.
• Driver’s license code 8.
• Willingness to travel as required by the business.

Competencies:

• In-depth experience in Labour Law, Contract Law, and Employee Relations.
• Understanding of the Port business or Transport Industry.
• Knowledge of CCMA and Collective Bargaining Council processes.
• Familiarity with internal and global best practices in Labour Law.
• Understanding of socio-economic and political principles, NEDLAC principles, BCEA & LRA.
• Project Management skills.
• Strategy, business plan, and operational practice expertise.
• Human Capital Management and its processes.

Equity Statement: Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.