ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: LABOUR RELATIONS (X2 POSTS)

This position is for an Assistant Director in Labour Relations, with two posts available within the Human Resource Management directorate of the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, based at the Mahikeng Head Office. It is a level 09 role within the public service, reporting into the labour relations component of the department. The core purpose of the role is to provide specialist labour relations support across the department, ensuring that grievances, misconduct cases, disciplinary processes and collective bargaining matters are handled in line with applicable legislation and departmental policies. The incumbent will also be expected to manage and guide staff within the unit, making this a supervisory as well as an advisory position.

To be considered, applicants must have a Matric certificate or equivalent, together with a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree at NQF level 6 or 7 in Labour Relations, Labour Law or Industrial Relations. A valid driver’s licence is required. Candidates need between three and five years of relevant working experience in the labour relations field, with at least two years at a supervisory level, typically at salary levels 7 or 8. A thorough knowledge of labour legislation, public service policies and regulations, and collective bargaining agreements is essential. The role demands the ability to work under pressure, to develop and interpret policies, and to demonstrate strong computer literacy in Microsoft packages. Additional skills include research, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, report writing, analytical investigation and presentation abilities.

The main duties are broad and include facilitating and investigating grievances, investigating misconduct and chairing or conducting disciplinary hearings. The Assistant Director will represent the employer at conciliation and arbitration proceedings, and also represent the department at collective bargaining structures and the Provincial Labour Relations Forum. The role involves compiling various labour relations reports, advising management on labour relations issues, and managing strike situations. The incumbent is also responsible for managing the performance of personnel within the unit and for building capacity throughout the department on labour relations matters.

This department is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and aims to promote representivity in terms of race, gender and disability. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment or transfer promotes representivity, with specific encouragement for African females and persons with disabilities at certain salary levels, as well as Indian males in particular salary bands. Applicants should note that the application process requires the use of the prescribed Z83 form, which must be fully completed in line with the instructions, and must be accompanied by a detailed CV listing at least three referees with current contact details. Certified copies of qualifications and other documents are only required for shortlisted candidates, and all qualifications will be verified with SAQA, including foreign qualifications which require an evaluation certificate. Separate applications must be submitted for each post, and applicants must disclose any business interests or remunerative work outside their normal duties. Shortlisted candidates should be available for interviews on dates determined by the department, and personnel suitability checks will be conducted.