Principal Employee Relations Role in Johannesburg | Apply Now!

About South32:

At South32, we are proud to be part of an inclusive, collaborative, and caring company working towards a sustainable future. We produce critical commodities that play a vital role in enabling a low-carbon world. With a commitment to growth, diversity, and making a positive global impact, South32 offers a supportive environment for career development, growth, and success. Join us to help shape a brighter, greener future and leave your legacy.

About Johannesburg:

Our Johannesburg office, located in Melrose Arch, serves as a Functional Hub for South32’s Southern African Operations. This includes our Global Services, Technology, and Enterprise Resource Planning support teams, offering a dynamic and collaborative working environment.

What South32 Offers:

• ✅ Annual Incentive Bonus: Recognizing both individual and company-wide performance.
• ✅ Retirement Fund Contribution: Employer contributions to the company’s elected retirement fund.
• ✅ Study Assistance: Support for part-time studies at accredited institutions in alignment with role requirements.
• ✅ Career Growth: Development opportunities and support for continuous learning and career advancement.

About the Role:

We are looking for a Principal Employee Relations (ER) professional to join our Johannesburg team. In this permanent, full-time role, you will provide vital support to the HR Leadership Team in developing and executing ER strategies. These strategies will align with current and future ER/IR trends. Your role will be pivotal in maintaining compliance with workplace relations legislation and ensuring global consistency in ER practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• ✅ Support HR Operations: Assist in reviewing and executing IR/ER documents across Africa.
• ✅ Employee Relations Activities: Manage ER activities for South32 functions in Johannesburg.
• ✅ Dispute Resolution & Representation: Represent South32 in internal/external engagements, handling high-risk disputes and arbitrations (e.g., CCMA referral matters, complex cases, and internal disciplinary proceedings).
• ✅ Independent Chairperson Role: Lead sensitive internal cases such as harassment or dismissible offences.
• ✅ Legal ER Advice: Provide legal counsel related to Employee Relations for South Africa Operations.
• ✅ Training & Development: Develop training materials for HR teams and line leaders.
• ✅ ER Procedures & Guidelines: Contribute to the creation of ER procedures, guidelines, and reporting systems.
• ✅ Strategy Setting: Assist in strategy development and guide HR Business Partners in managing complex cases.
• ✅ Risk Management & Governance: Audit ER risks and support mitigation plans.
• ✅ Wage Agreements Support: Assist HR Managers during wage agreements negotiations.
• ✅ Labour Law Updates: Provide regular updates on labor laws and establish a network of ER personnel across Africa.
• ✅ Support Mozal ER Principal: Provide assistance where required for the Mozal ER Principal.

About You:

You are an experienced professional with the following qualifications and skills:

• ✅ Experience: 5+ years in a Legal or ER role with a solid understanding of IR/ER standards.
• ✅ Expertise in Legislation: Deep knowledge of South African and Mozambican Labour Laws, Occupational Health & Safety Acts, and Workers’ Compensation requirements.
• ✅ Risk Management: Experience in governance and risk management.
• ✅ Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for negotiating and advising across diverse groups.
• ✅ Complex Legal Interpretation: Ability to explain and interpret complex legal regulations to varied stakeholders.
• ✅ ER Policy Expertise: Expertise in developing ER policies and practices.

Qualifications:

• ✅ Required: Tertiary qualification in LLB/Law or Bachelor’s in IR/ER or Labour Relations.

South32 Commitment to Diversity:

South32 is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We ensure that our recruitment process is fair, equitable, and accessible to all candidates. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity.

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TIPS for CV:

• ✅ Highlight ER/IR Experience: Showcase your relevant experience in Employee Relations, particularly in risk management and dispute resolution.
• ✅ Legal Qualifications: Make sure your LLB or related qualifications are clearly listed.
• ✅ Demonstrate Communication Skills: Emphasize your ability to communicate complex legal information to diverse stakeholders.
• ✅ Leadership & Strategy: Show examples of leadership, especially in developing and executing ER strategies.