Industrial Relations / Employee Relations Officer - Contract

The Industrial Relations / Employee Relations Officer (Contract) supports the development of a fair, engaged, and performance-driven workplace by assisting with day-to-day industrial relations, employee relations, and engagement activities.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Industrial Relations / Employee Relations Officer (Contract) supports the development of a fair, engaged, and performance-driven workplace by assisting with day-to-day industrial relations, employee relations, and engagement activities. The Officer ensures consistent, transparent, and compliant handling of employee matters, including grievances, disciplinary processes, and performance improvement interventions. The role supports communication and consultation with employees and trade unions to maintain trust, prevent disputes, and strengthen industrial harmony across the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Industrial Relations 

• Assist in the implementation of industrial relations strategies, policies, and procedures
• Serve as a key support contact for recognized trade unions, including preparing documentation and attending union meetings as required
• Record and maintain accurate minutes, action items, and commitments for all union and consultative forums
• Conduct complete investigations into disciplinary matters, grievances, or disputes, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and compliance with company procedures and IR legislation.
• Support and in someistance, chair disciplinary tribunals and hearings in accordance with established protocols, ensuring due process, proper documentation, and adherence to the principles of natural justice.
• Prepare and issue disciplinary action letters and recommendations arising from tribunal outcomes, ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
• Provide preliminary IR guidance to managers and supervisors on disciplinary issues, grievances, and workplace conflicts, escalating matters to senior HR leadership as required
• Prepare documentation for conciliations, trade disputes, and Industrial Court matters, including evidence organization and coordination of witnesses
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant industrial relations legislation, case law, and emerging workplace trends.

Employee Relations

• Oversee grievance and disciplinary processes to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance.
• Support managers in resolving conflicts and workplace issues promptly and constructively.
• Track and report on disciplinary and grievance trends to identify systemic issues and recommend corrective strategies.

Performance Management

• Lead the management of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) — ensuring clear objectives, timelines, coaching support, and proper documentation.
• Partner with managers to identify and address performance or behavioral issues early, using developmental and corrective approaches.
• Monitor performance trends across teams and departments to identify patterns, risks, or opportunities for improvement.

HR Reporting and Analytics

• Prepare and maintain HR reports on employee relations, disciplinary actions, performance management, and engagement metrics.
• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, or systemic issues and provide actionable recommendations to senior management.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• Postgraduate or professional certification in Industrial Relations is required
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Industrial and Employee Relations, including union engagement and performance management
• Minimum 3 years HR experience in a unionized environment 
• Proven experience managing union communication plans, consultation meetings, and PIP implementation.
• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure