In-House Labour Advisor / Employee Relations Specialist
- Job Title: In-House Labour Advisor / Employee Relations Specialist
- Company: AGC Recruitment Pty Ltd (on behalf of client)
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Job Type: Full-time
- Salary: Market Related (approx. R50 000 per month)
Job Overview
AGC Recruitment is seeking a highly skilled In-House Labour Advisor / Employee Relations Specialist to serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on South African labour law and employee relations. This role involves providing strategic and operational guidance on labour compliance, dispute management, and union relations, ensuring that the company maintains fair, legally compliant, and commercially sound employment practices. The successful candidate will work closely with HR, management, and trade unions to proactively manage risk, foster a positive workplace culture, and align employee relations with the broader business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Dispute Management & Resolution
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Represent the company at the CCMA and Bargaining Councils for conciliation and arbitration proceedings.
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Prepare and manage Labour Court cases, including liaising with external legal counsel.
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Manage internal grievances and disputes, resolving issues proactively before escalation.
2. Business Partnership & Advisory
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Provide timely, practical legal advice to HR and management on disciplinary, performance, and incapacity matters.
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Draft and implement HR policies and procedures that ensure compliance and reflect best practice.
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Design and deliver labour law training sessions for line managers to build internal capability.
3. Restructuring & Change Management
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Lead and manage internal processes for retrenchments (s189/s189A) and business transfers (s197).
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Facilitate consultation processes with employees and trade unions.
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Draft related documentation, including notices, selection criteria, and settlement agreements.
4. Transformation & Compliance
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Collaborate with HR and Transformation teams to develop and implement the Employment Equity Plan.
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Ensure timely submission of Employment Equity and Skills Development reports.
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Advise on learnerships, internships, and SETA-aligned initiatives to support BBBEE compliance.
5. Collective Bargaining & Union Relations
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Act as a company representative in all union engagements and wage negotiations.
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Maintain stable, constructive relationships with union representatives and shop stewards.
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Manage consultations and communication on substantive labour issues.
Qualifications & Experience
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LLB Degree (essential).
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Admission as an Attorney (advantageous).
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4–6 years’ experience in labour law or employee relations, preferably in-house or at a law firm.
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Proven CCMA representation experience is essential.
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Experience managing retrenchments and union engagement processes.
Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
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Expert knowledge of LRA, BCEA, EEA, and related legislation.
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Strong case management, analytical, and drafting abilities.
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Excellent policy development and interpretation skills.
Soft Skills
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Business Acumen – Able to align labour decisions with commercial realities.
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Stakeholder Management – Skilled at engaging with management and employee representatives.
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Resilience & Composure – Calm and professional under pressure.
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Negotiation & Conflict Resolution – Effective at finding balanced, compliant solutions.
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Communication – Strong written and verbal ability to translate complex legal matters clearly.
Remuneration
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Market Related Salary (approximately R50 000 per month).
Application Information
If you are ready to take the lead in shaping fair and effective workplace practices, apply today. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.