Manager, Labour Relations

Role Overview

This position is responsible for leading the strategy, planning, and implementation of Labour Relations across manufacturing plants. It entails fostering cooperative relationships among employees, unions, management, HR, and other partners, while overseeing collective agreements, grievances, disciplinary actions, disputes, and external hearings such as CCMA cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and execution of Labour Relations strategies and annual activities across the plant.
• Develop, update, and enforce Labour Relations policies, governance frameworks, and compliance protocols.
• Maintain constructive working relationships between various stakeholders including employees, unions, management, and HR.
• Offer expert advice to business leaders and HR on Labour Relations strategies, legislation, and collective agreements interpretation, while managing associated risks.
• Handle the management and consistent application of collective agreements to ensure legal and policy compliance.
• Oversee grievance procedures, disciplinary actions, investigations, enquiries, dispute resolutions, and complaint processes.
• Represent the organization at CCMA and other external Labour Relations forums, including preparation and case management.
• Evaluate union influences, potential Labour Relations risks, employee sentiment, and shop-floor dynamics to devise engagement and risk mitigation plans.
• Encourage a positive industrial relations environment through communication, engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and employee development activities.
• Assist with workforce planning, recruitment, restructuring, and wage mandate processes.
• Develop and manage labour metrics, demographics, economic reporting, analytics, and budgeting to guide business decisions.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting Labour Relations and evaluate their impact on operations.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of statutory reports and Labour Relations data to government and internal stakeholders.
• Design and deliver training programs to enhance Labour Relations capabilities of HR staff, supervisors, and operational leadership.
• Support benefits administration for hourly employees and resolve related HR enquiries.
• Ensure adherence to corporate policies including the Code of Conduct and human rights standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Labour Relations team and others while upholding confidentiality and professional service standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of a degree in Labour Relations, Human Resources, LLB, or related discipline.
• More than five years of relevant experience in Labour Relations within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience managing Labour Relations in highly unionized settings.
• Proven record of representing employers successfully at CCMA or Bargaining Council hearings.