Specialist: Employee Relations | Transnet Vacancies

Specialist: Employee Relations

Transnet is inviting suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Specialist: Employee Relations within Transnet Pipelines (TPL). The successful candidate will be responsible for providing employee relations advice, guidance and support to management, employees and the business to promote a harmonious working environment.

The role involves managing and coordinating disciplinary processes, grievances, investigations, suspensions, disputes and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) violations while ensuring compliance with Transnet policies, collective agreements and applicable labour legislation.

Position Purpose

The Specialist: Employee Relations will provide comprehensive Employee Relations (ER) services and support to Transnet Pipelines management, employees and the broader organisation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for handling and reporting on investigations, suspensions, grievances, PFMA violations, disputes and disciplinary processes in accordance with Transnet policies, procedures and applicable legislation.

The position will also ensure that effective collective bargaining and employee engagement processes are established and maintained to promote positive industrial relations and workplace harmony.

Key Responsibilities

1. Employee Relations and Collective Bargaining

• Implement, communicate and ensure compliance with collective agreements concluded between Transnet and recognised trade unions.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved in employee relations matters.
• Support effective collective bargaining and employee engagement processes.
• Provide guidance on the interpretation and implementation of collective agreements.

2. Human Resources Policies and Advisory Services

• Interpret, review and provide advice on People Management policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to line management and employees on employee relations matters.
• Build the capacity of line managers and employees regarding the implementation of People Management policies.
• Assist with the development and formulation of relevant policies.
• Provide employee relations support and advice to management, the People Management community and employees.

3. Employee Relations Reporting and Internal Controls

• Coordinate and maintain Employee Relations internal controls.
• Ensure monthly updates of Employee Relations information on SAP.
• Compile People Management reports, industrial action reports, PFMA reports and weekly and monthly Employee Relations reports.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on employee relations activities and developments.

4. Employee Relations Forums and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Transnet Pipelines at various Employee Relations forums and meetings.
• Attend Business Continuity Management (BCM) meetings, Employment Equity (EE) Forum meetings and Skills Development (SD) Committee meetings.
• Participate in industrial action meetings and other relevant employee relations engagements.
• Arrange, assist with and prepare minutes and recordings of National Business Committee (NBC), Local Business Committee (LBC), Employment Equity and Skills Development meetings.

5. Dispute Resolution and Representation

• Represent Transnet Pipelines at Transnet Bargaining Council and Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) mediation and arbitration proceedings.
• Represent the organisation during disciplinary hearings, grievance meetings and other employee relations proceedings.
• Participate in other forums and processes as assigned by the Senior Specialist: Employee Relations and Head of People Management.

6. Disciplinary, Grievance and Suspension Management

• Coordinate and facilitate employee suspension processes.
• Manage and support disciplinary proceedings and grievance processes.
• Coordinate dispute resolution processes aimed at resolving workplace conflicts.
• Assist with preparing, taking and recording minutes of disciplinary, grievance and other employee relations meetings.
• Ensure that all processes are conducted fairly and in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational policies.

7. Investigations and Employee Relations Case Management

• Investigate employee relations cases and tip-offs received through the appropriate reporting channels.
• Analyse investigation findings and prepare recommendations for management consideration.
• Provide advice and support to management on appropriate actions arising from investigations.
• Ensure employee relations cases are handled professionally, confidentially and in accordance with established procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• A three-year Degree or National Higher Diploma in Human Resources Management or an equivalent qualification in Labour Relations is required.
• A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.

Required Experience

• A minimum of eight years’ relevant experience in Labour Relations.
• Demonstrated integrity, trustworthiness and honesty when handling sensitive Employee Relations matters.
• Experience in major organisational transformation and change management initiatives.
• Practical experience and understanding of the procedures and operations of the Bargaining Council and CCMA.
• Experience in managing disciplinary, grievance and dispute resolution processes.
• Management and leadership skills.

Additional Job Requirements

• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence.
• Willingness and ability to travel to different regions across the country when required.

Required Competencies and Knowledge

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following knowledge and competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of Employee Relations policies and their implementation.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant collective agreements.
• Knowledge of Transnet property operations.
• Strong understanding of labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and Employment Equity Act (EEA).
• Knowledge of dispute resolution processes involving the CCMA and Bargaining Council.
• Extensive knowledge of disciplinary and grievance management procedures.
• Understanding of personnel administration.
• Knowledge and experience in Human Capital Management (HCM) SAP.
• Ability to compile accurate reports and manage Employee Relations information.
• Project management knowledge and skills.
• Sound knowledge of Human Resources policies and procedures.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Good understanding of Human Resources functions and practices.
• Excellent reporting and communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional networks.
• People empowerment and development skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent legal writing and drafting skills, including the preparation of legal opinions and related documents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong numerical and analytical abilities.
• Ability to facilitate discussions and engagements at management level.
• Confidence and ability to challenge existing practices constructively.
• Full computer literacy.
• Strong investigative skills and exceptional attention to detail.

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in accordance with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and the employment equity targets of the organisation and relevant operating division.