Manager - Employee Relations

While the position is advertised as being based in Johannesburg, South Africa, we are considering talented candidates for the role from any of our key footprints, including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and others. At Bayobab, we are Lead with Care, Can-do with Integrity, Collaborate with Agility, Serve with Respect and Act with Inclusion. Bayobab formerly MTN GlobalConnect is a Pan-African digital wholesale and infrastructure services company founded in 2017, and an operating company in the MTN Group. Bayobab formerly MTN GlobalConnect manages MTN's international and national major wholesale activities, in addition to offering reliable wholesale and infrastructure solutions for fixed connectivity and wholesale mobility solutions that include international mobile services, Voice, SMS, signaling, roaming and interconnect. 1. Company Overview, Vision & Values: As a proud subsidiary of the MTN Group, Bayobab is deeply anchored in a culture enriched by decades of excellence. Rooted in our African heritage and embracing the core values of MTN, we’re infused with dynamism, ready to break boundaries, foster unmatched collaboration, and build a digitally connected future where everyone across Africa can truly thrive. Our vision is To build a brighter Connected Africa through enabling Africa with state-of-the art solutions To be the platform of choice across Africa, because Everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life 2. Mission / Core purpose of the Job: The Manager - Employee Relations will Foster a positive and productive work environment by building strong relationships between employees and management, ensuring fair and consistent treatment, and aligning employee needs with organizational goals. To serve as a trusted advisor and mediator between employees, managers, and leadership, promoting open communication and mutual respect. To ensure compliance with labour laws, company policies, and ethical standards while minimizing organizational risk. To enhance employee engagement, trust, and satisfaction, contributing to retention and performance. To equip managers with tools and guidance for handling employee concerns, grievances, performance issues, and workplace conflicts. To align employee relations strategies with business objectives, ensuring a healthy workplace culture that drives productivity and organizational success. 3. Context: Bayobab is entering a new phase where operational and commercial excellence to maximize value from its Infrastructure business. Bayobab will drive synergies across verticals of the infrastructure business, create an integrated InfraCo with a “one stop shop” value proposition for end customers and minimise operational costs. There is an increased focus in the commercial areas, new products and services and scaling up of the infrastructure business. The incumbent must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of: An expertise-based multicultural organisation A dynamic and evolving field of Telecommunications & Fiber Connectivity Rapidly changing ICT/wholesale environment Revolutionary hybrid workforce practices which are bringing together global labour markets Convergence in markets and exploration of non-traditional revenue streams requiring complex interpretation and structuring Evolving industry sector constantly presenting new challenges and opportunities to the core businesses Agile ways of working. 4. Key Performance Areas: The Manager - Employee Relations will be accountable to the following objectives: Employee Relations Management Establish, maintain, and foster good relationships between the company and employees, to boost the wellbeing of employees. Serve as the primary point of contact as a Centre of Excellence for employee relations issues, grievances, and conflicts. Investigate workplace complaints and concerns, ensuring fair, consistent, and timely resolution. Mediate disputes between employees and management or among team members. Provide guidance and support to managers on handling employee performance, conduct, and disciplinary issues. Consults with line management, providing HR guidance when appropriate. Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations. Respond to employees’ queries and manage all aspects of issues across the employee lifecycle such as disciplinaries, Grievances, PIP processes, redundancies, and support the HR leadership with relevant projects. Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day‑to‑day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partner and collaborate with the legal department as needed/required. Serve as a liaison between HR, legal, and leadership on employee relations matters. Support organisational change management initiatives from an ER perspective. Design and deliver training sessions on employee relations topics for Managers and employees when required. Represent the company at External Labour Dispute Bodies/ Bargaining Councils when required. Resignations and Separation Oversee and advise on the end-to-­end decentralised separation process and work as a centre of excellence to other operating companies. Consolidate the feedback on leavers and exit interviews collective feedback. Analyse and review the attrition trends and work alongside HRBPs to implement the retention strategy effectively. Policy and Compliance Ensure all employee relations practices comply with labour laws, regulations, and company policies. Develop, implement, and update HR policies and procedures. Monitor legal and regulatory changes that impact employee relations. Review and Provide employee relations related policies guidance and interpretation. Mange, monitor and control all company employee’s attendance and leave through attendance system and HRIS leave management system (HCM). Performance and Engagement Support initiatives to enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention. Partner with managers to address performance issues constructively. Analyse employee relations trends, metrics, and surveys to identify areas for improvement. Play consultancy role day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counselling, career development, disciplinary actions). HR Advisory & Coaching Coach managers and leaders on effective people management and conflict resolution strategies. Analyses trends and metrics in partnership with the HR teams to develop solutions, programs, and policies. Take Part of Onboarding process effectively in coordination with internal stakeholders. Act as HRBP where required and build strong employee experience to improve employee engagement. Reporting & Analytics Maintain records of employee relations cases and ensure confidentiality. Prepare reports on employee relations metrics, trends, and recommendations for leadership. Track disciplinary actions, terminations, and appeals to identify recurring issues. Culture & Engagement Initiatives Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase engagement, productivity and retention. Promote a positive workplace culture aligned with company values. Support programs related to employee recognition, wellness, and organisational development. Support social events agenda and events. Other Operations Insure the proper Follow up of employees’ requests and issues and the reply to their inquiries and complaints on a timely manner (HR helpdesk, emails). Record and maintain new employees’ files and documents related to Employee Relations. Prepare and issue internal communication relating to employee relations matters to share with the organisation, though the scheduled quarterly meetings and whenever there is business need. Conducts weekly/monthly meetings with respective business units as required. Issuing employees letters relevant to Employee Relations. Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time. 5. Job Requirements: Education Minimum 4 Year bachelor’s degree in equivalent specialization (HR, Legal or Business Administration). Experience 5+ years’ experience in Human Resources. Worked across diverse culture and geographies. Other High level of confidentiality to lead complex investigations or high‑risk employee relations cases. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies. Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. #J-18808-Ljbffr