Labour Relations Manager at Philip Morris International

Develop human resource strategy, deploy crucial P&C products and services aligned to local and functional requirements, provide advising and change management expertise to build value and competitive advantage through people ensuring that strategic objectives are met or exceeded. Assess, develop, propose, and implement collaboration with the Key Internal Stakeholders, the local and strategic business objectives and prepare an adequate short/mid/long term Employee and Employee Relations Strategy and Plan.
 

• Define the Employee and Labour Relations Strategy according to strategic objectives, appropriate impactful plans, and implement the approved activities to maintain a stable work environment and increase employee engagement in close collaboration with the company strategy. Advise the KIS on suitable activities to achieve the company's long-term Labour Relations strategy.
• Deploy P&C Products and Services by ensuring deployment and measure the effectiveness of employee relations related to P&C products and services. Serve as change agent during the implementation of the P&C Strategy by providing pro-active support for the business to effectively plan and implement business transformations or other strategic organisational change programs. Provide advice, guide, and mentor on business matters having an organisational or human capital management aspect. Develop and/or engage in delivering training to line managers to improve the organisation's capability in the area of Labour Law and Labour Relations.
• Engage and lead the interaction with the trade union(s) in negotiations, consultations, and information sessions to communicate the agreed Labour Relation strategy, negotiate collective bargaining agreements and consult on Principles, Practices, and Guidelines changes. Prepare Collective Labour Agreements (CLA) as well as required changes caused by legal requirements or business needs, in close partnership with the KIS, employers' associations and/or other companies to ensure legal compliance as well as favorable agreements reflecting the company's business needs and ensuring the maximization of its competitiveness for the long term. Represent the company in conciliation/ arbitration proceedings at the relevant forums. Provide advice to all relevant partners concerning CLA matters.
• Lead all labor cases, making line managers and P&C Managers aware of those cases, follow-up, and drive resolution from beginning to end. Provide day to day leadership, serving as a resource and point of contact to management and employees on issues that arise in the workplace by consistently interpreting, applying, and coordinating company policies and labor contracts.
• Lead standard processes such as disciplinary hearings/CCMA cases. Handle grievances, arbitrations, dispute resolution, communications, contract negotiations, and other legal matters. Track and mentor grievances and develop effective strategies to reduce reported grievances and disputes—conduct thorough investigations of grievances and other employee issues and contract compliance. Ensure consistency for all disciplinary actions—support managers in handling conflicts or difficult employee relations situations. Provide feedback on the efficiency of the Employee Relations process. Support Line Manager in developing the business case for redeployment and/or expat/transfer.
• Define, in close collaboration with the key internal partners and the EE Committee, and own the companies' activities concerning Employment Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, and BBBEE certification. Monitor the development of international and local labour legislation and jurisdiction, in partnership with the Law Department to analyze potential implications and propose adequate solutions. Provide advice to all relevant stakeholders concerning labor law, in straight alignment with the Law Department. Ensure timely and fair resolution of employee issues (e.g., disciplinary actions, termination/outplacement assistance, counseling for health problems, etc.) requesting support, if necessary, from other resources within the organisation.
   

Who we're looking for

• A relevant degree is essential
• Certificate in Industrial Relations
• 6-8 years' work experience in the area of employment relations
• Experience working in FMCG and Production/Manufacturing environment is essential
• Cross-functional expertise and general business management experience
• Specialist in union relations
• Solid understanding of compensation and benefits

What we offer
Our success depends on the men and women who come to work every single day with a sense of purpose and an appetite for progress. Join PMI, and you too can

• Seize the freedom to define your future and ours. We'll empower you to take risks, experiment, and explore.
• Be part of an inclusive, diverse culture, where everyone's contribution is respected; collaborate with some of the world's best people and feel like you belong.
• Pursue your ambitions and develop your skills with a global business – our staggering size and scale provide endless opportunities to progress.
• Take pride in delivering our promise to society to improve the lives of a billion smokers.