This position will be based at the Head Office in Woodmead with travel to operational sites on a needs basis.
Description
The purpose of this role is to ensure the effective and efficient management of the Employee
Relations function and to maintain stakeholder relations which supports continuity of operations. The role will collaborate with various departments / functions to ensure that Employee Relations support is provided in a fair and consistent manner in line with Company policy and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor labour trends and recommend strategies and policies accordingly with emphasis on risk reduction and business continuity
- Manage the collective bargaining structures in the Company and develop, influence, and participate in the effectiveness of such structures
- Build and nurture relationships with local, regional, and national leaders of Organised Labour
- Plan, design and conduct training in employee relations, negotiation skills, disciplinary, grievance and conflict resolution processes for all relevant stakeholders in the Group
- Advise on the interpretation and application of Labour Law and the translation thereof into policies and practices
- Implement and manage employee relations systems to prevent labour unrest and maintain workplace harmony
- Design and facilitate change management processes and apply organisational development principles effectively to assist in rectifying undesirable workplace dynamics
- Monitor and apply measures to uphold approved Recognition and Collective Agreements encompassing issues such as levels of bargaining, representivity, etc.
- Establish and coach strike handling teams regarding strike issues including security, recording of events and related aspects
- Recommend and update ER policies and procedures in line with changing labour legislation
- Manage labour cases and outcomes for the businesses including attorney briefings and liaison as necessary
- Conduct internal investigations, make recommendations and act as the central contact person for all labour related matters
- Manage and coordinate ER issues relating to labour, discipline, industrial action and identify risks and develop, recommend, and subsequently implement mitigation strategies that may affect operational continuity in the business
- Ensure policies, procedures and structures are properly communicated to all, consistently applied, and monitored to achieve co-operation and respect among all levels of employees
- Liaise with the CCMA / Bargaining / Negotiating forums, Department of Labour, union leadership and other stakeholders on mandated ER issues
- Co-ordinate labour forum meetings, representing the company in all internal and external ER meetings
- Promote harmonious relationships at the various operations by supporting the design, development, recommendation and subsequent implementation of ER strategies, systems and processes for proactive resolution of labour issues
- Ensure the management and consistent handling of discipline, dispute resolution and grievances, through the required channels and according to parameters as described in applicable collective agreements.
- Consult and advise management on ER / IR risks that may affect the business
- Provide general employee relations advice to management, lead strike management issues and conduct any audits as may be necessary to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Plan, coordinate and drive the closure of outstanding items with unions to maintain business continuity and labour harmony
- Identify and/or evaluate causes of conflict and propose appropriate corrective / punitive action
- Monitor and report ER trends and activities throughout the organisation for proactive resolution
- Plan, coordinate and implement ER best practice
- Conduct regular research on wage negotiations and levels of settlement across industry and advise the company as appropriate
- Represent Minopex at third party dispute resolution structures (e.g. CCMA, CDR, Statutory Council etc.) for those matters that have company-wide implications and strategic consequences
- Analyse the ER functions needs and develop a working budget / forecast in conjunction with the Senior Manager HR & VP HR to ensure sufficient financial resources
- Manage, control and adhere to the approved budget
- Make the necessary provision for the utilisation of experts, litigators or additional trainers as and when necessary
- Make the necessary provisions for matters lost in the CCMA or Labour Court
- Bachelor's degree in Employee Relations / Labour Law or Legal degree
- Post Graduate qualification in Employee Relations / Labour Law (advantageous)
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Valid drivers licence code B, EB or C1
- Must be willing to travel within the borders of South Africa
- Valid Red Ticket
- Minimum of 10 years experience in ER / IR at senior management level
- At least 10 years of Employer representation at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration
- Dispute Resolution Training (essential) - Mediation and Arbitration
- 10 years experience in unionized / organised labour environments
- Mining or Construction Industry experience
- Knowledge of Labour Relations legislation and regulatory frameworks and practices related to bargaining, negotiating and dispute resolution procedures
- Ability to write and implement policies and procedures
- Knowledge of contemporary ER issues and case law trends
- Demonstrated ability to interact and influence senior leadership and union committees
- Stakeholder engagement, persuading and influencing skills
- Experience in wage negotiations and collective bargaining
- Good reporting & communication skills - written & verbal
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Build Organisational Capability through Leadership Training, Coaching & Mentoring
- Financial and business acumen (budgeting)
- CCMA Commissioner Training (advantageous)
