15 Industrial Relations jobs in South Africa

Industrial Relations Consultant
Location: Johannesburg
Type: Permanent | Labour Law & Compliance

Navigate disputes. Protect compliance. Drive fair outcomes.
This is a critical advisory role for an IR professional with strong knowledge of South African labour law and practical experience in workplace conflict resolution. If you’re ready to advise, represent, and lead complex IR matters in fast-paced environments, this role is for you.

About the Role
You’ll be the go-to expert on all matters related to labour law, collective bargaining, employee relations, and dispute resolution. Your legal know-how and calm authority will help manage high-risk situations and ensure compliance across organisational IR practices.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct and chair disciplinary hearings, incapacity processes, and performance inquiries

• Manage retrenchments, strike action, and dispute resolution processes

• Represent the company in CCMA and Bargaining Council matters

• Provide advice on dismissals, transfers (Section 197), and organisational rights

• Handle complex IR cases including sexual harassment, constructive dismissal, and unlawful strike actions

• Support wage negotiations, interdicts, and litigation preparations

• Liaise with legal counsel and represent matters in Labour Court where required

What You Bring

• A 3-year degree in HR, IR, LLB, or related field

• At least 2 years’ practical experience in labour law and IR case management

• In-depth knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, COIDA, OHSA

• Familiarity with CCMA rules and multiple Bargaining Councils (e.g., MIBCO, MEIBC, BCRCAT)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Calm under pressure with a professional, solutions-oriented mindset

• Own vehicle and valid driver’s licence essential

What Success Looks Like

• Effective IR case resolutions with minimal business disruption

• Organisational compliance with labour legislation

• Professional handling of complex hearings and legal processes

• A reputation for being a trusted IR advisor across the business

Industrial Relations: Human Resources & Industrial Relations
Location: Johannesburg
Type: Permanent | Senior Management

Shape workplace harmony. Lead with impact.

This is a pivotal role for a seasoned Industrial Relations professional to drive strategy, compliance, and positive employee relations across a regional portfolio. If you’re ready to manage disputes, build strong labour partnerships, and safeguard organisational performance, this is your platform to lead.

About the Role

You’ll manage and oversee all industrial relations processes, ensuring compliance with policies, labour legislation, and best practices. The role requires balancing proactive risk management with strong employee and stakeholder engagement.

What You’ll Do

• Manage industrial relations processes and disputes in compliance with policies and legislation

• Lead and facilitate consultations, meetings, and formal communications with stakeholders

• Provide accurate reporting and documentation for CCMA and Labour Court proceedings

• Identify training needs and coordinate fulfilment

• Drive equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives

• Build strong, positive workplace relationships through effective communication

• Mitigate risks proactively and ensure organisational compliance

What You Bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification (LLB / HR / IR)

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar IR-focused role

• In-depth knowledge of labour law, CCMA processes, and dispute resolution

• Strong communication, consultation, and leadership skills

• Ability to operate both independently and collaboratively

What Success Looks Like

• Effective dispute resolution and compliance across the region

• Positive workplace relations that support business performance

• Strong, trusted partnerships with stakeholders and employees

• Reduced risks and proactive mitigation strategies

Regional Industrial Relations Manager for national corporate company based in Sandton

Manage industrial relations processes and disputes in compliance with policies and processes and take appropriate action where necessary.

Establish training needs and arranges appropriate fulfilment thereof.

Implement steps to building relationships through positive communications and reliable, accurate administration.

Lead and facilitate formal communications, consultations, and meetings with stakeholders.

Ensure timely and accurate submission of reports and documentation to relevant bodies in relation to CCMA and Labour Court proceedings.

Actively participate in employment equity matters.

Proactively mitigate against risks.

Operate effectively both independently and collaboratively to maintain and deliver high-quality standards.

Essential pre-requisites

Matric (NQF 4), relevant recognised tertiary qualification (NQF 5) (LLB/HR/IR) and at least five years relevant experience in a similar position

Job Title: Industrial Relations (IR) Specialist
Location: Fourways, Sandton, South Africa (Site-Based or Regional Office, as Required)
Industry: Renewable Energy / Solar Construction
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Industrial Relations (IR) Specialist to manage and oversee labour relations across multiple construction sites within the renewable energy and solar construction sector. This role requires a strategic professional with a deep understanding of South African labour legislation, workforce dynamics, and the intricacies of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all industrial and labour relations activities across construction sites.

• Engage and negotiate with bargaining councils, unions, and employee representatives.

• Represent the company in CCMA cases, disciplinary hearings, and grievance procedures.

• Provide expert guidance to management and site teams on South African labour compliance.

• Ensure consistent application and enforcement of HR and IR policies across all sites.

• Proactively manage and resolve disputes, strikes, and workforce conflicts.

• Collaborate with HR teams to support recruitment, onboarding, and employee communications from an IR perspective.

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all IR matters and case documentation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in industrial relations, particularly within construction, energy, or EPC sectors.

• Comprehensive knowledge of South African labour laws , CCMA processes, and union operations.

• Proven experience in bargaining council negotiations and managing complex workforce disputes.

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to engage across all levels of the organisation.

• Ability to perform under pressure within a dynamic, project-driven environment.

• Relevant qualification in Labour Relations, Human Resources, or Law (diploma or degree advantageous).

• Willingness and flexibility to travel to project sites as needed.

What We Offer

Join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of South Africa’s renewable energy growth. This role offers the opportunity to shape industrial relations practices on significant infrastructure projects, contributing to the sustainable energy future of the country.

You’ll be part of a collaborative team, playing a pivotal role in ensuring operational continuity and fostering positive labour relations on large-scale solar projects nationwide.

LabourNet is one of the largest Industrial Relations, Human Capital and Payroll Consulting firms in South Africa. The LabourNet Group is currently experiencing tremendous growth and as such we’re constantly searching for top talent.

Please note this is a General Application to add your CV to our database for consideration for Junior Industrial Relations Consultant positions in our various branches nationally.

You are responsible for
Inclusive of, but not limited to:

• Retaining all clients as well as servicing clients in terms of all IR issues.
• Provide training to all clients as per LabourNet standards.
• All clients are visited once per month.
• All clients are contacted as per schedule.

These typical IR issues can range from:

• Chairing of disciplinary inquiries.
• Drafting of judgments for clients.
• Assist with the issuing of warnings to ensure compliance.
• Drafting and implementing policies.

To more complex issues like:

• Strike Management.

You'll need a customer-first mindset and the following skills to succeed in this role:

• 3 years B. Degree or equivalent in HR/IR/LLB or related field.
• 1 year's experience in Labour Law (consultations on retrenchments, strikes, chairing disciplinary hearings, dispute resolution, etc.).
• Eagerness to learn the ins and outs of Labour Law.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Must be able to effectively function within a pressurised and fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle is essential.

Salary: R17 850 CTC
Benefits: Cell phone, Internet, Laptop and Pension Fund, Branding Allowance + Excellent Career Growth as well as a great commission structure.

Our client is looking for an HR Generalist who is a specialist in Industrial Relations. The person can be based in George or Port Elizabeth.

The successful person will handle all IR matters for the company, including the entire CCMA process.

• HR Degree
• IR Expert

We are looking for a self-motivated and driven individual with thorough knowledge of all labour legislation, labour consulting, and dispute resolution procedures.

1. Proactively consult and advise clients within various industry sectors regarding labour compliance, labour matters, and labour procedures.
2. Draft documents such as contracts of employment, policies, procedures, and correspondence.
3. Liaise with the Department of Labour, CCMA, Bargaining Councils, Union Officials, and other stakeholders.
4. Represent clients during union meetings, employee meetings, and labour negotiations and identify possible solutions to conflicts.
5. Conduct retrenchments and grievance meetings and advise clients on the process.
6. Chair disciplinary hearings with a focus on procedural and substantive fairness.
7. Prepare for and represent clients during conciliation and arbitration proceedings at the CCMA or Bargaining Council.
8. Draft pleadings: rescission/condonation applications and heads of argument.
9. Interpret the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act, Sectoral Determinations, and various other Collective Agreements/Main Agreements and national acts.
10. Maintain and build strong client relationships, as well as network and provide introductions for new prospective clients.
11. Contribute to the growth of the business.
12. Be willing to travel provincially and/or nationally, which may include overnight stays.

• Extensive knowledge and experience with labour legislation, collective agreements, and CCMA proceedings.
• At least 2 years’ experience as a Labour Consultant.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications will be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Critical skills: Communication (written and spoken – English), planning, organising and coordinating, good timekeeping, decisive thinking abilities, ability to work under pressure, and strong writing skills.
• Knowledge of computer operations and programs (in MS Word, Outlook, and Excel).
• Ability to identify opportunities to grow the business.