Group Employee Relations Manager at Minopex

Duties & 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 actively 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 Laws and the translation thereof into policies, procedures 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 business continuity plans 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 implement mitigation strategies to avert disruption to operational continuity
• 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 implementation of ER strategies, systems and processes for pro-active 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
• Plan, coordinate and lead all wage negotiation processes in the company with Organised Labour
• 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.

Health, Safety and Legal Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Minopex Health and Safety standards
• Identify hazards and risks while performing daily tasks
• Comply with provided systems, practices, methods, standards and procedures of the job
• Comply with all legal and operational requirements

Financial

• Analyse the ER function’s needs and develop a working budget / forecast in conjunction with the 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

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Employee Relations / Labour Law or Legal degree
• Post Graduate qualification in Employee Relations / Labour Law (advantageous)
• At least 10 years of Employer representation at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration
• Dispute Resolution Training (essential) - Mediation and Arbitration
• 10 years in unionized / organised labour environments
• Mining or Construction Industry experience (essential)
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Valid driver’s licence code B, EB or C1
• Must be willing to travel (essential)
• Valid Red Ticket

Experience and Skills Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in ER / IR at senior management level
• 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)