Senior Employee Relations Manager

Senior Employee Relations Manager Salary: Competitive and based on experience Location: Johannesburg Keywords: Employee Relations, ER Strategy, Culture Transformation, Policy Modernisation, Capability Building, Risk Mitigation, Change Management

Our client is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping a positive employee relations culture. This role will be instrumental in modernising ER policies, processes, and frameworks to foster an environment of trust, fairness, and business effectiveness. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to drive a shift from a reactive, compliance-driven ER approach to a proactive, business-integrated model that fosters engagement and accountability.

• Drive ER strategy and culture transformation
• Modernise ER policies and processes
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers

What you'll do:

As a Senior Employee Relations Manager, you will be responsible for partnering with the HR Senior Management Team to develop and execute a progressive ER strategy that aligns with the organisation's business goals. You will review and redesign ER policies and procedures, ensuring they are fair, transparent, and support business sustainability. Your role will also involve developing an ER governance model that ensures consistency in decision-making while empowering management to handle ER matters effectively. You will monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to keep ER policies current and competitive. Furthermore, you will develop and deliver training programs for managers to enhance their ability to manage employee relations effectively. In collaboration with the Group ER Manager, you will lead the resolution of high-risk and complex ER cases.

• Partner with HR Senior Management Team in developing and executing a progressive ER strategy
• Review and redesign ER policies and procedures
• Develop an ER governance model that ensures consistency in decision-making
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to keep ER policies current and competitive
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers to enhance their ability to manage employee relations effectively
• Partner with the Group ER Manager in leading the resolution of high-risk and complex ER cases

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for the Senior Employee Relations Manager position brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field. With a postgraduate degree in Industrial Relations/Labour Law or equivalent, you have spent at least 8 years gaining progressive ER experience within a complex, multi-site or unionised environment. Your 5 years of management experience in ER or labour law has equipped you with strong decision-making skills which allow you to balance compliance, business needs, and employee engagement effectively. Your deep understanding of labour laws, employment regulations, and ER best practices sets you apart. You have the ability to convey complex ER matters in a clear, concise manner, making you an invaluable asset to any team.

• Postgraduate degree in Industrial Relations/Labour Law or equivalent
• 8 years of progressive ER experience within a complex, multi-site, or unionised environment
• 5 years management experience in ER or labour law
• Deep understanding of labour laws, employment regulations, and ER best practices
• Strong decision-making skills to balance compliance, business needs, and employee engagement effectively
• Ability to convey complex ER matters in a clear, concise manner

What sets this company apart:

Our client is a leading organisation with a strong commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. They are dedicated to modernising their ER policies and processes to ensure fairness, transparency, and business sustainability. The company values its employees and strives to provide them with opportunities for growth and development. They believe in empowering their managers to handle ER matters effectively and are committed to providing ongoing training and support.

What's next:

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now!