Employee Relations Manager at Absa Bank Limited

• The role holder is responsible for provision of specialist advise and support related to the administration and assistance of Employee Relations related activities, and effective operational service covering the entire Employee Relations agenda.

Main accountabilities and approximate time split;

Disciplinary process, Grievance Handling, and Capability Management - 50%

• The role holder will be involved in maintaining a progressive Disciplinary, Capability and Grievance policy and standards.
• Provide Secretariat in Disciplinary and Grievance (DC&G) hearings as a minute-taker.
• Keep track of documentation for all DC&G cases using ER Navigator.
• Performance Management i.e., tracking and reviewing the Back on Track Plans (Performance Improvement Plans) coordinating capability hearings and supporting managers in managing poor performance.
• Communicate routine disciplinary decisions to line managers and ensure proper and timely implementation of actions.
• Maintain an up-to date Case log of all Disciplinary and Grievance cases and circulate these to the Head of Employee Relations (ER) & Wellness and Business Partners (BPs') on monthly basis for review.
• Prepare letters to assist Line Managers implement DC&G outcomes.
• Investigate and respond to all queries raised by the Union, People Business Partners or Line Managers on staff discipline matters.
• Liaise with line managers to ensure consistency of disciplinary procedures in the workplace.
• Working together with the Head of ER & Wellness, update DC&G procedure manual as and when changes occur.
• Supporting wide scale business changes, with a minimum degree of risk for the Group.
• Supporting the business to comply with Labour Laws.

Employee Relations Operational Service - 20%

• Respond to routine correspondence from internal / external customers relating to Employee Relations including Certificates of Service, Recommendation Letters, Early Retirements etc.
• Deal with and respond to queries/complaints from staff regarding specific ER matters.

Employee Relations Administrative Support - 30%

• Responsible for overall ER administration.
• Maintain up to date records of DC&G cases.
• Convene JWC (Joint Workers Committee) meetings.
• Convene and record minutes of all Joint Works Council meetings and distribute to all participants in timely manner.
• Co-ordinate in liaison with bank advocates, all litigation cases ex-staff, maintaining up to date Case Log.
• Day to day liaison with external and internal customers e.g., Lawyers, Unions, etc.
• Maintain up to date records e.g., updating physical/electronic registers and filing.
• Update staff records and any relevant database.
• Ensure prompt updating of relevant HR Information systems.
• Administrator to the Outsurance Scheme – Processing claims, refunds and providing reports.
• HR Representative at the bank’s Occupational Health and Safety committee (meet quarterly as per OSHA requirements).

Technical skills / Competencies

• Business Awareness.
• Stakeholder management.
• Delivering Results.
• Performance driven.
• Customer awareness.
• Collaborative team player.
• Critical thinker.
• Adaptable to responding to changing business priorities & responsibilities.
• Problem solving skills – ability to think outside the box.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Interpersonal skills.

Specialist knowledge required to undertake the role

• A good understanding of the HR Policies, HR Services and Procedures.
• Report preparation skills.
• Analytical skills and ability to develop insights.
• Proficiency in Excel and MS Office Applications.
• Good all-round knowledge of Labour/Employment law and its practical application.
• An appreciation of the internal and external industrial environment.
• A good awareness of Disciplinary and Grievance procedures.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication skills.
• Appreciation of the impact of HR policy on the ER climate and a good understanding of ER issues, legislative agenda and current affairs.

Knowledge, Expertise and Experience

Qualifications:

• A degree in HR or related field.
• CHRP certification (or ongoing).
• IHRM membership.