HR Specialist

**HR Specialist - Industrial Relations (IR) JB3553**: Pinetown, Kwa Zulu Natal - Human Resources
- HR Specialist - Industrial Relations (IR) JB3553
Durban
Market Related/ Negotiable/ Competitive
The HR Specialist - Industrial Relations (IR) plays a critical role in managing and maintaining positive labor relations within the organization. This role focuses on promoting a harmonious work environment by effectively addressing employee concerns, ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations, and fostering strong relationships between management and labour unions, if applicable. The IR Specialist reports to the HR Manager or Director and collaborates closely with various departments to facilitate fair and consistent employment practices.

**Qualifications**:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
3-5 years of relevant experience in HR with a focus on industrial relations or labour relations.
Strong knowledge of labour laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Proficiency in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with employees, management, and labour representatives.
Certification in HR or industrial relations (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent) is a plus.
Key Responsibilities:
**Employee Relations**:
Act as a point of contact for employees seeking assistance with workplace issues, complaints, or grievances.
Conduct thorough investigations into workplace disputes or concerns and recommend appropriate resolutions.
Mediate conflicts and facilitate discussions between employees, supervisors, and labour representatives when necessary.
**Labor Law Compliance**:
Stay up-to-date with federal, state, and local labour laws and regulations to ensure the organization's compliance.
Develop, review, and update HR policies, procedures, and practices to align with relevant labour laws.
**Collective Bargaining**:
If applicable, participate in collective bargaining negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution with labour unions.
Ensure that collective bargaining agreements are effectively implemented and followed by both parties.
**Grievance Handling**:
Manage the grievance process by receiving, investigating, and resolving employee complaints or disputes in a timely manner.
Maintain detailed records of grievances, resolutions, and related actions.
**Employee Communication**:
Develop and implement communication strategies to promote a positive work environment and foster open communication channels.
Conduct employee meetings, training sessions, or workshops related to labour relations and workplace policies.
**Policy Development**:
Collaborate with HR leadership to create and revise HR policies, procedures, and guidelines that reflect best practices and ensure fair and consistent treatment of employees.
**7. Reporting and Analysis**:
Prepare reports on labour relations metrics, trends, and key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement.
Analyse data to develop strategies for enhancing labour relations and employee satisfaction.
**8. Training and Education**:
Provide training and guidance to supervisors, managers, and employees on labour relations topics, policies, and compliance.
**9.Dispute Resolution**:
Serve as a neutral party to help resolve workplace disputes and conflicts through alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration.
The HR Specialist - Industrial Relations plays a vital role in maintaining a positive workplace culture, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering productive relationships between employees and management. This position requires a combination of legal knowledge, communication skills, and HR expertise to effectively address labour-related issues and contribute to the organization's success.