Assistant Director: Employment Relations – Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Ref No: CMSB-083)

The Assistant Director: Employment Relations position at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in Sunnyside, Pretoria, is an exciting and strategic role for professionals passionate about labour law and workplace relations. This position offers a commencing salary of R468 459 per annum (Level 9) and provides a unique opportunity to shape employment relations policy and practices within a major government department.

The role is ideal for individuals who are not only skilled in employment law but also possess strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder engagement abilities. It requires a proactive approach to labour dispute resolution, workplace investigations, and collective bargaining processes.

Overview of the Assistant Director: Employment Relations Role

As an Assistant Director in Employment Relations, you will provide specialist support in labour law and employee relations matters. Your work will directly influence workplace harmony, compliance with labour legislation, and the department’s overall efficiency. This is a highly responsible role that combines legal expertise, administrative oversight, and strategic advisory functions.

You will serve as the primary point of contact for labour-related issues, liaising with senior management, organised labour, State Attorneys, and external law firms to ensure that disputes and grievances are handled professionally, fairly, and in compliance with relevant legislation.

Key Requirements

Educational Qualifications

A recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 in Labour Law, Labour Relations, or a relevant field.

Experience

Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in labour law, either in a public or private sector environment.
Experience representing employers at labour dispute forums, including the GPSSBC, PSCBC, CCMA, and Labour Court.
Experience facilitating disciplinary enquiries, grievance resolution, and collective bargaining processes.
Proven ability to conduct workplace investigations, compile investigation reports, and provide actionable recommendations.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong working knowledge of Employment Law, the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, PFMA, LRA, and related legislation.
Experience drafting legal advice, affidavits, case documents, and submissions.
Skilled in providing advice to senior management, including COOs, DDGs, DGs, and the Minister.
Proficiency in data management, trend analysis, and reporting on employment relations matters.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to liaise effectively with State Attorneys and external law firms.
Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office packages.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Facilitate Labour Law Litigation Disputes

Represent the department at labour dispute forums and ensure that all cases are procedurally and substantively correct.
Prepare and coordinate affidavits and case documentation.
Liaise with State Attorneys and external legal counsel to strengthen the department’s position in disputes.

Representation in Disciplinary Enquiries

Represent the department during formal disciplinary hearings, ensuring procedural fairness and compliance with regulations.
Advise managers on case preparation, documentation, and presentation strategies.
Monitor outcomes and provide guidance on implementing decisions effectively.

Grievance Facilitation and Resolution

Conduct thorough investigations into grievances, analysing documentation and providing advisory reports.
Ensure confidentiality, fairness, and consistency in grievance handling.
Provide expert advice on departmental policies and employment legislation.

Employment Law Advisory Services

Advise management and departmental staff on employment-related matters and legislative compliance.
Provide guidance to entities under the department’s jurisdiction on Employment Relations (ER) issues.
Conduct informal disciplinary enquiries and provide expert support in complex HR matters.

Investigations and Workplace Improvement

Conduct detailed workplace investigations into ER-related matters.
Gather evidence, interview personnel, and compile comprehensive investigative reports with recommendations.
Monitor implementation of corrective actions to address workplace issues effectively.

Training and Performance Management

Deliver training programs on disciplinary codes, performance management, and grievance handling.
Support managers in implementing performance improvement plans.
Ensure staff are aware of policies, procedures, and their rights and responsibilities.

Collective Bargaining Coordination

Prepare agendas and feedback reports for the Departmental Bargaining Chamber.
Engage with organised labour to negotiate and maintain labour peace.
Ensure that resolutions from bargaining processes are implemented and monitored.

Reporting and Data Management

Maintain accurate Employment Relations registers and databases.
Analyse trends, compile quarterly and annual reports, and provide actionable recommendations to senior management.
Support strategic decision-making with detailed reports on ER issues and outcomes.

Why This Role is a Career Opportunity

This position offers a strategic and rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about labour law, employee relations, and organisational development.

Professional Growth

Exposure to high-level employment law matters within a national government environment.
Opportunities to develop and enhance skills in dispute resolution, grievance management, and collective bargaining.
Interaction with senior executives, external counsel, and labour representatives to build professional networks.

Skill Development

Enhance your legal advisory, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
Gain experience in conducting investigations, managing performance, and implementing labour law frameworks.
Strengthen reporting, analytical, and communication skills critical for leadership roles.

Contribution to Public Service

Play a pivotal role in maintaining a harmonious and compliant workplace.
Ensure fair and equitable treatment of employees in line with legislation and departmental policies.
Support the department in achieving its objectives by resolving disputes, managing grievances, and providing expert ER guidance.

Application and Enquiries

Enquiries:

Ms K Xaluva – Tel: 012 394 1563
Mr L Mdashe – Tel: 012 394 3103

EE Requirements: Preference will be given to African males, Coloured females, and White males in line with the DTIC’s Employment Equity goals.

This position is ideal for labour law specialists and employment relations professionals who want to make a real impact in a dynamic government environment. With responsibilities spanning litigation, grievance resolution, disciplinary processes, collective bargaining, and ER reporting, the Assistant Director: Employment Relations role is both challenging and highly rewarding.