Senior Manager: Employee Relations (Everyday Banking) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Key Accountabilities:

• Employment Relations (ER) Strategy – Design, implement and manage processes involved in implementation of the employee relations strategy for the Cluster, aligned to the HC Function strategy.
• Monitors and reports on specific ER outcomes and overall trends that impact on the ER strategy and the business decisions.
• Relationships – Represent Absa in all engagements with employee and labor organizations, and other relevant stakeholders Managing the processes involved in supporting a constructive and cordial relationship with unions,. Collaborate with legal counsel, business and other internal stakeholders and subject matter experts  in the preparation for and participation in negotiation with employee and labor groups.
• Grievances and conflict –ensure that matters are managed fairly, consistently, speedily and efficiently.
• Disciplinary cases - ensure that matters are managed fairly, consistently, speedily and efficiently.
• Monitors and advises to provide site capability and deliver processes to effectively implement all ER/IR policies and processes, including creating awareness thereof.
• Restructuring – Plays a prominent advisory role to the organization as it pertains to proposed restructures/operating model reviews impacting structures. In partnership with relevant internal experts, create toolkits and templates that support business in the process. Ensure that, where required, appropriate consultations with Unions are managed timely and efficiently.
• Maintains effective working relationships across the organisation
• Continuously and proactively monitor labour relations climate and identify risks and strategies to mitigate the risk.
• Provide advice on all labour related matters and represent the organisation at relevant forums, e.g., CCMA
• Facilitate compliance with all labour legislations, Regulations, Code of Practice and relevant laws as developed via case law, from time to time.
• Research and explain laws and legal affairs concerning employment to managers, supervisors, and employees.
• Build ER capability across the HC Function community and broader stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the Bank to ensure a seamless and efficient Employee Relations dispensation.
• Advise and train the HC Function community and people managers in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing supervisor problems and employee grievances. Develop further training as needed and support the training and development requirements for the community.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor`s Degrees and/or Advanced Diplomas - Business, Commerce and Management Studies
• A Degree in Industrial Relations or Human Resource Management
• Postgraduate degree in Employee Relations or Labour Law is advantageous.

Preferred Experience:

• 10-12 years of relevant experience in HR, of which at least 5 should have been with specific focus on ER and/or Change Management
• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant acts and bodies (e.g., Labour Relations Act; BCEA; EEA; Disciplinary procedures; trade union consultation)
• Knowledge of CCMA/Bargaining processes.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function independently and under pressure.
• Knowledge of contemporary industrial relations dynamics, case law, labour legislation, trends and trade union matters
• Experience of working within unionised environments within the financial services industry or similar.