Deputy Director: Employee Relations (Dispute Resolutions, Misconduct and Litigation) (Permanent position)

This permanent position is based at the Head Office of the Western Cape Department of Health in Cape Town, within the Directorate Employee Relations. The role focuses on the specialised areas of dispute resolutions, misconduct and litigation, and is central to ensuring that the department manages labour relations in a legally sound and procedurally fair manner. As Deputy Director, the incumbent will be expected to provide strategic and operational leadership in the sub-directorate responsible for disputes and litigation, and to step in as Acting Director in the absence of the Director. This is a senior managerial role that requires a blend of legal expertise, leadership capability and practical experience in the labour relations environment.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate three-year National Degree or Diploma in Law (LLB) or in Labour Law. In addition, the role requires appropriate experience in the handling and management of labour disputes, specifically conciliation and arbitration, as well as misconduct cases and Labour Court litigation. Managerial experience is also essential, as the post carries responsibility for supervising staff within the sub-directorate. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of all relevant labour legislation and other legislation applicable to the health sector, together with practical knowledge of dispute resolution processes at the relevant Bargaining Council and the CCMA. Familiarity with Labour Court procedures and practices is also required, along with basic computer literacy, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

The duties are broad and include providing formal legal advice and guidance to stakeholders on labour disputes, misconduct and litigation matters. The post holder will research, analyse and evaluate applicable labour legislation and case law, and will draft and present learning outcomes to stakeholders. A key part of the role is managing and presenting evidence in misconduct cases, labour disputes and Labour Court litigation, as well as facilitating training on these topics. The Deputy Director will also attend, participate in and present case law at employee relations and related forums as requested. Staff management within the sub-directorate is a core responsibility, and the incumbent will act as Director of Employee Relations when required. A valid Code B or EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement of the job.

This is a demanding but rewarding role for a legal professional with a strong background in labour relations. The advertised package is an all-inclusive annual remuneration package, a portion of which can be structured according to the individual’s personal needs. Importantly, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the fair and effective management of employee relations within a large public health department.