Employee Relations Specialist

Durban, South Africa Posted on 30/04/2026

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing and supporting all employee relations and industrial relations (IR) processes to ensure legal compliance, fair practice, and effective resolution of workplace matters. The role works closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to coordinate disciplinary processes, CCMA cases, labour audits, and employee related investigations, while providing guidance to operations and ensuring that all HR administrative and compliance functions are executed accurately and efficiently.

• The Employee Relations Specialist will work closely with the Outsourced Labour Consultant, Employers Organisation, Payroll Department, the Department of Labour and other relating departments to ensure the administration function within the H.R. department functions at an optimal level.
• Liaise with Operations regarding I.R. concerns.
• Assist Operations in drafting charges.
• Liaise with SEESA regarding any/all I.R. issues (including, but not limited to scheduling of Disciplinary Enquiries, Consultations, Department of Labour audits, training needs, etc).
• Ensure outcomes of Disciplinary Enquiries are received from SEESA within 48 hours.
• Liaise with Operations regarding outcomes received from SEESA.
• Ensure sanctions are issued to staff.
• Ensure preparation sessions for initiators are scheduled.
• Guide and train every initiator prior to every disciplinary hearing on how to present their cases before the Chairperson.
• Ensure the CEO is made aware of any and all CCMA cases.
• Ensure preparation sessions with the CEO are scheduled for CCMA matters.
• Ensure that you form part of every prep session with the CEO; ensure bundles are reviewed, witnesses are prepared and cross examination questions are completed.
• Ensure the warning tracker, disciplinary enquiry tracker and CCMA tracker are updated daily.
• Assist the Operations department with drafting warnings, should the need arise.
• Liaise with SEESA regarding the scheduling of Incapacity Enquiries (Performance & Ill Health).
• If necessary, initiate these matters accordingly.
• Ensure labour audits are attended to in a timely manner.
• Ensure the CEO is made aware of any labour audits relating to the National Minimum Wage.
• Ensure relevant objections are made in relation to DOL audits.
• Ensure rescissions, condonations, objections, in limine's are completed within the allocated timeframes.
• Complete employment equity submissions.
• Provide general assistance with functions that may arise within the Human Capital Department.

• Relevant tertiary qualification (LLB, Industrial Psychology, BCom Law).
• Knowledge of relevant labour legislation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the retail industry would be advantageous.