HR/IR & Health & Safety Specialist at Kontak Recruitment

• A manufacturing and packaging operation based in Bronkhorstspruit is seeking a seasoned HR/IR & Health & Safety Specialist to join its production-driven environment. This full-time, permanent role integrates human resources and industrial relations expertise with comprehensive health and safety oversight, ensuring full compliance with South African labour legislation and occupational health standards. The position plays a critical role in fostering positive employee relations, maintaining legislative compliance, and supporting a safe and efficient production environment. Working closely with operational and production teams, the successful incumbent will ensure HR policies align with business objectives while upholding stringent safety standards, particularly in high-risk manufacturing areas such as industrial boiler operations

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Occupational Health & Safety, or related field
• 10+ years’ experience in HR/IR and HSE within manufacturing or industrial environments
• Relevant HR, IR, and/or HSE certifications or completed courses
• Strong knowledge of South African labour legislation and collective bargaining processes
• Proven experience managing disciplinary hearings, grievances, and union negotiations
• Experience implementing and managing health and safety systems in line with the OSH Act
• Experience with industrial boilers and production safety standards (advantageous)
• Excellent communication, negotiation, administration, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to balance employee advocacy with organisational objectives

Duties and Responsibilities:

Human Resources & Industrial Relations

• Manage recruitment and onboarding to ensure sufficient capacity aligned to operational requirements
• Implement HR policies and procedures aligned with company objectives
• Handle disciplinary processes, grievances, and conflict resolution
• Ensure compliance with South African labour laws and bargaining council agreements
• Maintain constructive relationships with unions and employee representatives

Health & Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and monitor health and safety policies and procedures in accordance with legal requirements, specifically the OSH Act
• Conduct risk assessments and safety audits across all operational areas
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation and best practice
• Provide training and awareness programmes on safe work practices
• Collaborate with production teams to maintain safe operations, particularly around industrial boilers and high-risk equipment
• Manage deviations from OSH compliance requirements and ensure appropriate reporting

Compliance & Reporting

• Prepare HR, IR, and HSE reports for management
• Monitor and update policies in line with legislative changes
• Support audits and ensure accurate record-keeping

Employee Engagement & Wellbeing

• Drive initiatives to improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction
• Promote health, safety, and wellness programmes
• Support training and development initiatives across all levels of staff