DEPUTY DIRECTOR: EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

The Deputy Director for Employee Relations is a senior management role within the Provincial Office of the Department of Social Development in Bisho, tasked with steering the entire labour relations and collective bargaining function for the department. Operating at a level that requires strategic oversight, this position ensures that the department maintains harmonious employer-employee relationships, complies with all relevant labour legislation, and effectively manages disputes, grievances, and disciplinary processes. The incumbent will act as the department’s key advisor to management on all labour-related matters, providing authoritative guidance on misconduct, incapacity, and conflict resolution, while also representing the department in formal proceedings such as disciplinary hearings, conciliations, arbitrations, and negotiations at bargaining council structures, including the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council. The role is central to promoting labour peace and ensuring that collective agreements and departmental policies are consistently implemented and monitored across the organisation.

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a National Senior Certificate along with a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Law, Labour Relations, Human Resource Management, or an equivalent relevant qualification. In addition, applicants need three to five years of relevant experience at the Assistant Director level, specifically within labour relations. A valid driver’s licence is a non-negotiable prerequisite. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, disciplinary procedures, grievance management, and collective bargaining processes, as well as familiarity with PSCBC and sectoral council resolutions. Strong leadership, conflict management, negotiation, dispute resolution, analytical, report-writing, and problem-solving abilities are essential, alongside excellent communication, stakeholder management, planning, and organisational skills. The successful candidate must be adept at interpreting and applying labour legislation, be computer literate in MS Office, and demonstrate robust supervisory and people-management capabilities.

The core duties encompass managing and coordinating labour relations and collective bargaining functions, providing advice and support to management on disciplinary processes, grievances, misconduct, incapacity, and dispute resolution, and coordinating the implementation of labour relations policies and collective agreements. The role also involves representing the department in external forums, monitoring compliance with legislation and agreements, analysing labour relations trends and case law to develop intervention strategies, compiling reports and statistics, and liaising with organised labour and other stakeholders. Supervision of staff and effective resource management within the component are also key responsibilities. This is a demanding position that requires a proactive and strategic approach to maintaining a stable and compliant workplace environment.

Notably, this vacancy carries an employment equity target specifically for African and White male candidates, in line with the department’s transformation goals. The position is graded at a senior level with an all-inclusive remuneration package, and it is based at the Provincial Office in Bisho. Interested applicants should note that the application process is conducted exclusively through the provincial e-recruitment system, and technical support is available during working hours. Given the strategic importance of this role, the department seeks a seasoned professional who can navigate complex labour relations landscapes and contribute to a fair and productive working environment.