Industrial Relations Specialist at Scatec ASA

Main purpose of position:

• We are seeking an experienced Industrial Relations (IR) Specialist to join our global team in Thakadu, Free State, as we work toward our vision: Improving our Future.
• In this role, you will be responsible for safeguarding project stability by proactively managing labour relations, community engagement, and stakeholder communication at project level.
• The role ensures alignment between project execution, contractor compliance, labour legislation, and community expectations. It identifies and mitigates industrial relations and social risks that may impact project timelines, compliance, cost, or reputation.
• The IR Specialist acts as a trusted advisor to project leadership, ensuring structured stakeholder engagement, early conflict resolution, and responsible local participation in line with Scatec’s standards and regulatory requirements.

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communication and stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with project milestones.
• Prepare and distribute clear, timely communication materials to ensure accurate information flow and prevent misinformation.
• Represent the project in community, municipal, and industry engagements.
• Monitor labour dynamics, identify risks early, and support dispute resolution in line with legislation and policies.
• Ensure contractor compliance with labour laws, local recruitment protocols, and project commitments.
• Promote local economic participation by engaging SMMEs, supporting procurement initiatives, and maintaining local databases.
• Identify, assess, and manage IR and community-related risks, including implementing grievance mechanisms and mitigation strategies.
• Provide advisory support and collaborate cross-functionally to align stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams on labour and community matters.

Qualifications and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Psychology, HR, Law, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in Industrial Relations, Labour Relations, or Community Relations within infrastructure, construction, energy, mining, or similar project-based environments
• Proven experience managing labour disputes, grievance processes, and mediation in high-risk or unionised environments.
• Experience working with contractors and subcontractors on labour compliance and recruitment protocols.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with community leadership structures and local stakeholders.
• Experience identifying and mitigating social and industrial risks impacting project delivery.
• Willingness and ability to travel between and work across various project sites as required.

Advantageous:

• Experience in renewable energy or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to multi-contractor project environments.
• Experience working in remote or rural project locations