Director of Employee Relations at University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela
University of Mpumalanga · Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Overview
The University of Mpumalanga is looking for a Director of Employee Relations to lead the university's employee relations function in Mbombela. You will shape policies, guide labour matters and manage disputes from start to finish. This is a senior leadership role for someone with deep labour law knowledge and experience in complex, multi union workplaces. If you have strong legal drafting skills and can influence at a strategic level, this could be your next move.
About the role
The University of Mpumalanga is hiring a Director of Employee Relations to provide strategic direction and leadership for its Employee Relations function. You will act as custodian of policies that govern the relationship between employer and employee, helping the university manage and reduce employee relations risks. The role is based in Mbombela and forms part of the university's senior management structure.
What you will do:
- Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Employee Relations function.
- Review and benchmark Employee Relations policies and procedures.
- Manage Employee Relations and represent the university in labour matters.
- Build capacity within the institution on employee relations issues.
- Provide advisory support to the business.
- Manage cases and disputes from inception through to finalisation.
Application note: Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are invited to apply. Remuneration will be commensurate with the level of the position the incumbent is applying for. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. The advert closing date is 8 November 2026.
Requirements
- M+5 relevant degree in Employee Relations or Labour Law.
- 9 years of complex employee relations experience, preferably in a multi union environment.
- Active participation in collective bargaining and staff management.
- At least 3 years of management experience.
- Five years of specialist experience in Labour Law if currently a practising attorney or labour consultant.
- Being an Admitted Attorney would be advantageous.
- Extensive knowledge of South African labour legislation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of all CCMA and labour relations processes.
- Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word and Outlook).
- Excellent legal drafting skills including charge sheets, legal opinions and reports.
- Decision making and problem solving skills.
- Appropriate verbal and written language and communication skills.
- Persuading and influencing skills.
- Professional knowledge and expertise.
- Relationship building and networking skills.
- Analytical thinking.
- Planning and organising skills.
Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction and vision for the Employee Relations function at the university.
- Review, benchmark and update Employee Relations policies and procedures.
- Manage employee relations matters and represent the university in labour disputes and proceedings.
- Build employee relations capacity across the institution.
- Act as an advisory resource to business units on employee relations issues.
- Manage cases and disputes from the point of intake through to finalisation.
Job details
- Organisation
- University of Mpumalanga
- Location
- Mbombela, Mpumalanga
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Executive (9+ years)
- Education
- Honours
- Category
- Human Resources
- Closing date
- 8 November 2026
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This is a senior role at a growing university, so your application should show more than just years of experience. Highlight specific cases or disputes you have handled, especially any collective bargaining or multi union work. The university will want to see that you can balance legal precision with practical people management. Make sure your CV clearly states your M+5 qualification and your management experience. If you are an admitted attorney, mention it early. Prepare for questions on how you would handle a dispute from start to finish, and be ready to explain how you would build employee relations capacity in a complex institution. Also note the closing date of 8 November 2026 and apply through the listing link before then.
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