Deputy Director: Collective Bargaining, Negotiation and Employee Engagement at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements & Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Labour Relations or relevant qualification as recognized by SAQA. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in collective bargaining/labour relations of which three (3) years should be at an entry/junior managerial level (Assistant Director level or equivalent).

Duties

• Manage and represent at the Departmental Bargaining Chamber and provide support. Manage and coordinate collective bargaining processes. Coordinate DBC meetings and represent the department. Ensure participation of Unions on Departmental committees. Facilitate negotiations on behalf of the Department to ensure effective and compliant outcomes. Presenting proposals and establishing ground rules. Bargaining by exchanging offers and counteroffers, often involving "good faith" negotiations.
• Ensure implementation of agreements emerging from bargaining structures. Manage and facilitate capacity-building (workshops and training) initiatives on employee relations matters to enhance organizational capability and ensure effective application of Labour relations policies and practice. Identify gaps and provide advice on the required development. Manage the coordination of workshops on employee relations processes and ensure stakeholders are engaged on course content. Provide employee relations advisory services to management and staff, ensuring informed decision-making and compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and Labour legislation. 
• Support and advise managers in the drafting and issuance of intention and warning letters, ensuring compliance with labour legislation, policies, and procedural fairness. Advise Managers and supervisors on management of discipline in the workplace especially progressive discipline. Provide guidance on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and dispute resolution processes. Review and recommend appropriate actions in complex employee relations cases. Provide expert input on organizational policies to ensure compliance with labour laws and best practices.