Deputy Director: Labour Relations – Qonce – Department Of Employment And Labour

Deputy Director: Labour Relations at the Department of Employment and Labour in Qonce, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 13 October 2026
Closing Date Closed
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable individual for the position of Deputy Director: Labour Relations based at the Head Office in Qonce. This pivotal role is essential in shaping and managing labour relations policies that have a direct impact on the workforce and the community. By fostering sound employer-employee relations, you will contribute to a more harmonious work environment, addressing grievances, and mediating disputes effectively.

In a time when the dynamics of the workplace are constantly evolving, your expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with labour legislation and promoting fair practices. This position not only demands a deep understanding of the relevant laws and procedures but also a commitment to enhancing the quality of public service in South Africa. Your efforts will help create a workplace where employees feel valued and heard, ultimately benefiting the broader community and economy.

About the Department

The Department of Employment and Labour focuses on creating a fair and equitable labour market in South Africa. Its mission encompasses ensuring compliance with labour laws, promoting employment equity, and enhancing workplace safety. Working within this department means being part of a team that is committed to fostering positive work environments and upholding the rights of workers across the nation. Each contribution made here is significant and helps to forge a better future for South African workers.

What You’ll Do

  • Manage the development and review of labour relations policies and guidelines.
  • Research and implement best practices in labour relations.
  • Interpret and ensure compliance with labour legislation and collective agreements.
  • Provide strategic guidance to management on labour relations matters.
  • Oversee the consultation and negotiation processes, promoting sound employer-employee relations.
  • Represent the department in conciliation, arbitration, and other forums.
  • Advise on grievance procedures and coordinate the resolution of employee issues.
  • Monitor trends in labour disputes and recommend corrective actions.
  • Facilitate training for managers on employee relations strategies and compliance.
  • Engage with trade unions and stakeholders regarding disciplinary matters.
  • Conduct investigations related to grievances and disciplinary actions.
  • Submit regular reports on labour relations activities and outcomes.

What You’ll Need

  • A National Senior Certificate with a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or preferably a B Degree (NQF Level 7) in relevant fields such as Human Resource Management or Labour Law.
  • A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in Labour Relations at a managerial level.
  • In-depth knowledge of key legislative frameworks, including the Labour Relations Act and Public Service Regulations.
  • Strong communication, report writing, and project management skills.
  • Proficiency in computer applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
  • A valid Code 08 driving license and willingness to work extra hours.
  • Attributes such as integrity, patience, and the ability to work under pressure.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

National Senior Certificate plus a National Diploma (NQF L6) or preferably a B Degree (NQF L7) as recognised by SAQA in BCom/Human Resource Management / Labour Relations / Labour Law / Industrial Psychology / BAdmin / Public Management, Industrial Relations / LLB (Law).

A minimum of 3 years’ relevant Labour Relations related experience at Assistant Director / Junior Management level.

In-depth knowledge of the following legislative prescripts: Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act, Disciplinary Code, Public Service Regulations, Public Service Act, 1994 as amended by Act 30 of 2007, PFMA, Industrial Policy and other related policies and procedures.

Must further possess the following skills and attributes: Communication skills, Report Writing skills, Computer Literacy, Project Management, Financial management, Management and leadership skills, Planning and Organising.

Willingness to work extra hours.

Computer literacy with an emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint.

An independent worker, meeting timeframes.

Monitoring and managing compliance of the department with the Statutory Bodies.

Must be in possession of a valid code 08 driving license.

Knowledge & Skills: Sound understanding of Labour Laws.

Employee and Employer Rights.

Collective Bargaining and Trade Unions.

Disciplinary Procedures.

Grievance Handling.

Dispute Resolution.

Workplace Policies and Compliance.

Misconduct, incapacity and poor performance matters, public sector employee relations policies and delegation.

Communication Skills.

Negotiation Skills.

Conflict Resolution.

Knowledge of Labour Laws.

Problem Solving Skills.

Emotional Intelligence.

Investigation Skills.

Policy Development and Interpretation.

Organisational and Administrative Skills.

Integrity and Ethics.

Patience and Tolerance.

Attention to Detail.

Professionalism.

Self-Discipline.

Ability to work under pressure.

Ability to chair meetings.

Teamwork.

Job Duties

Managing the development of labour relations policies and guidelines.

Review and quality assure labour relations policies and procedures annually.

Research best practices regarding labour relations policies and procedures.

Develop and implement labour relations policies, procedures and strategies.

Interpret and monitor compliance with applicable labour legislation and collective agreements.

Provide strategic guidance on labour relations matters for management.

Managing consultation and negotiation processes.

Promoting sound employer-employee relations.

Represent the department at conciliation or arbitration processes.

Represent the department in the provincial and sector chamber.

Providing advisory service to employees in respect of grievances and poor performance.

Advising management on consultation strategies and processes.

Managing the grievance procedure and dispute resolution processes.

Coordinating the resolution of employee grievances in accordance with policies and procedures.

Handle labour disputes and represent the department at forums.

Monitor trends in disputes and recommend corrective actions.

Empower managers and supervisors to understand their roles and responsibilities as well as the employee relations strategies.

Providing technical support to line managers on the handling of grievance procedures.

Monitor the utilisation of the grievance procedures and advise on possible solutions to resolve grievances.

Investigating grievances and act as a mediator in resolving grievances.

Representing the department in the Dispute Resolution Platforms.

Managing provision of disciplinary 118 processes.

Engaging with trade unions, employees and management regarding misconduct and disciplinary matters.

Providing guidance and technical support to management on handling of disciplinary codes and collective agreements.

Conducting disciplinary investigations in conjunction with relevant managers regarding allegations.

Review investigation reports and recommend appropriate actions.

Oversee the provision of technical assistance during disciplinary investigations.

Oversee that investigations are conducted fairly, objectively and in accordance with organisational procedures.

Monitor progress of disciplinary cases to ensure timely resolution.

Managing collective bargaining and stakeholder relations.

Coordinate labour relations matters with organised labour and unions.

Supporting departmental participation in collective bargaining processes.

Maintaining effective relations with employee representatives and stakeholders.

Representing the department in bargaining with council meetings and other labour forums.

Leading the implementation of collective agreements and bargaining council resolutions.

Promoting sound labour relations with organised labour, employee representatives and other stakeholders.

Managing Administration Support.

Giving input in the development of policies and operational plans.

Attending and responding to audit matters.

Compiling and submitting monthly and quarterly reports.

Determining and verifying the authenticity of the evidence provided.

Managing human and financial resources.

Maintaining staff discipline.

Salary

R932 292 – R1 098 195 per annum (Level 11)

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re-advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: S. Mpafa – Head Office – (eQonce) Tel No: (043) 492 1405 e- Recruitment Technical Enquiries – [email protected]