Assistant Director: Employee Relations – Pretoria – Department Of Employment And Labour

Assistant Director: Employee Relations in Pretoria at the Department of Employment and Labour, making a difference in government jobs in South Africa

Published 14 September 2026
Closing Date 28 September 2026
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking a dedicated professional for the position of Assistant Director: Employee Relations in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring that the workplace environment upholds fairness and adherence to labour regulations. The successful candidate will be responsible for facilitating the resolution of grievances and disputes, thereby contributing to a more harmonious workplace for public servants. By addressing employee concerns effectively and promptly, you will play a vital role in fostering a positive work culture within the public service sector.

Working in the heart of Pretoria, this position places you at the forefront of labour relations in South Africa. The work you do will have a direct impact on the lives of many employees, helping to navigate challenges and promote a fair working environment. Your efforts will not only be appreciated by your colleagues but will also contribute to the overall efficiency and morale within the public service.

About the Department

The Department of Employment and Labour is committed to promoting fairness and compliance in the workplace across various sectors in South Africa. With a mandate to oversee and enforce labour legislation, the department plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s labour market. Working here means being part of a greater mission to improve working conditions and protect the rights of employees, making a real difference in the lives of South Africans.

As part of this department, you will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from government officials to the public, ensuring that the principles of justice and equity are upheld in all employment matters. Your work will resonate throughout the community, serving as a foundation for a sustainable and fair labour landscape.

What You’ll Do

  • Facilitate the prompt finalization of grievance cases, ensuring they are resolved within set timeframes.
  • Provide effective advice to staff on grievance processes and Labour Relations policies.
  • Manage disputes by preparing cases for legal services and representing the department at conciliation and arbitration.
  • Monitor and report on grievance cases using the PERSAL system, ensuring accurate statistics are maintained.
  • Conduct capacity-building programs by providing training on workplace guidelines and processes.
  • Oversee the implementation of disciplinary processes, ensuring timely resolution and compliance with regulations.
  • Draft and finalize formal disciplinary reports, fostering transparency and accountability in the workplace.

What You’ll Need

  • A Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations, Labour Law, Human Resources Management, or Public Administration (NQF 6).
  • A minimum of three years of supervisory experience in Labour Law or Labour Relations.
  • In-depth knowledge of Labour and Employment Legislation and Public Service Regulations.
  • Strong investigation, report writing, and computer skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
  • A valid driver’s license, with a willingness to work irregular hours and travel as required.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected].

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Requirements

Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations/Labour Law/Human Resources Management/ Public Administration (NQF 6).

Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience in the field of Labour Law / Labour Relations.

Job related knowledge: Experience and knowledge of the following legislations: Labour and Employment Legislation and Public Service Regulations.

Job related skills: Investigation skills, Report writing skills, Computer Literacy, 6 Communication skills, (written and verbal) Negotiation skills, Conflict resolution skills, Problem solving skills, Interpersonal skills, Presentation and facilitation skills, Analytical skills.

Must have a valid driver`s license, work irregular hours and willing to travel.

Job Duties

Facilitate the prompt finalisation of grievance: Monitor implementation and adherence of prescripts governing grievances.

Facilitate grievance cases and ensure that they are dealt within 30 working days/agreed upon timeframes.

Ensure effective advice towards the resolution of grievances.

Ensure prompt referral of grievances to the Executive Authority (EA) and Public Service Commission (PSC) when necessary.

Ensure and monitor the implementation of grievances.

Effective application of labour relations policies, procedures, regulations and legislation: Provide advice to clients and ensure effective and efficient application of labour relations policies.

Facilitate the effective finalisation of disputes: Identify cases that need to be dealt with by legal services or external service providers / counsel.

Proper preparation and presentation of cases.

Obtain mandate and/or negotiate settlement agreements to resolve disputes where applicable.

Represent the Department at conciliation and arbitration.

Manage an effective labour relations reporting system for allocated cases: Timeous submission of monthly statistics.

Assist in compilation of quarterly, annual and ad hoc reports.

Monitor and capture all grievance cases in PERSAL.

Facilitate capacity building programs: Provide and facilitate training to business unit on request.

Advise employees daily.

Assist in the implementation of misconduct guidelines and processes: Opening misconduct files and filing of misconduct documents.

Facilitate finalisation of disciplinary cases and ensure that they are finalised within 90 calendar days.

Ensure the implementation of the outcome of formal and informal disciplinary process.

Supervise, monitor and ensure the implementation of the outcome of formal and informal disciplinary processes.

Provide efficient and effective advice on disciplinary matters.

Draft, Initiate and finalise all formal disciplinary processes.

Monitor PERSAL on the outcome of the disciplinary process.

Draft reports on misconduct matters.

Salary

R487 197 per annum (Level 09), (plus 37% in lieu of benefits)

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected] For Enquiries: Mr Leonard Makgato Tel No: (012) 319 7229