ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE

The Department of Correctional Services is seeking an Assistant Director: Employee Discipline to join its Employee Relations directorate at the National Head Office. This role is central to fostering a fair, consistent and legally sound approach to employee discipline across the department. The incumbent will coordinate and monitor employee discipline management, provide expert advice to management on disciplinary matters, and support the resolution of labour relations disputes. This is a Public Service Act appointment, and the position is based at the national head office, where the Employee Relations component operates as a strategic hub for policy implementation and advisory support.

Candidates must hold a National Diploma or Degree in Labour Law, Labour Relations, or Human Resource Management with Labour Law or Labour Relations as a major. A minimum of three to five years of experience in a labour relations environment is required, along with computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of HR corporate policies, grievance procedures, employee relations policies, and the disciplinary code and procedure. A thorough knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, with particular emphasis on dispute resolution mechanisms, is essential, as is familiarity with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the rules of dispute resolution agencies such as the CCMA and the GPSSBC. The successful candidate will also need to understand conciliation and arbitration practices, the labour rights provisions of the RSA Constitution, and the Public Service Act and regulations, including the Public Service disciplinary code and procedure.

The ideal candidate will bring strong competencies in investigation techniques, communication, information collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination. Mediation, conflict management and resolution, problem-solving, listening, analytical thinking and advisory skills are all critical to this role. Practical experience in applying investigation techniques and facilitating or mediating conflict is expected, as is a working knowledge of the Labour Relations Act’s code of good practice on dismissals. The ability to interpret complex labour legislation and translate it into practical guidance for management is a key attribute.

The main duties of the position include coordinating and monitoring employee discipline management across the department, providing expert advice and guidance to management on disciplinary matters, policies and procedures, and delivering labour relations dispute resolution support. The Assistant Director will advise and support management on grievance handling, dispute resolution, conciliation and arbitration processes, ensuring that all actions align with legislative requirements and departmental policies. The role also involves monitoring and evaluating compliance with employee discipline policies, procedures and legislative requirements, and maintaining and updating the Employee Relations Management Information System (ERMIS) and related databases. This ensures that accurate records are kept and that trends or issues in employee discipline can be identified and addressed proactively.

This is a demanding and high-integrity role that requires a professional who can remain impartial while providing robust advice. The position is based at the National Head Office, and the successful candidate will be expected to work closely with management at various levels. Given the nature of the work, a valid driver’s licence is required, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and sound judgement is essential. The department values candidates who are committed to upholding the principles of the Constitution and the Public Service framework, and who can contribute to a positive and compliant labour relations environment.