Deputy Director: Labour Relations

About the role

The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (Eastern Cape) is hiring a Deputy Director: Labour Relations, based in Head Office (Qonce). This is a permanent post, paying R932,292 – R1,098,195 a year. Reference number to quote: DSRAC 01/09/2026 Closing date: 23 October 2026. Applications received after closing date will not be considered. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: Persons with a disability are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Managing the development of labour relations policies and guidelines.
• Review and quality assure labour relations policies and procedures annually.
• Research best practices regarding labour relations policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement labour relations policies, procedures and strategies.
• Interpret and monitor compliance with applicable labour legislation and collective agreements.
• Provide strategic guidance on labour relations matters for management.
• Managing consultation and negotiation processes.
• Promoting sound employer-employee relations.
• Represent the department at conciliation or arbitration processes.
• Represent the department in the provincial and sector chamber.
• Providing advisory service to employees in respect of grievances and poor performance.
• Advising management on consultation strategies and processes.
• Managing the grievance procedure and dispute resolution processes.
• Coordinating the resolution of employee grievances in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Handle labour disputes and represent the department at forums.
• Monitor trends in disputes and recommend corrective actions.
• Empower managers and supervisors to understand their roles and responsibilities as well as the employee relations strategies.
• Providing technical support to line managers on the handling of grievance procedures.
• Monitor the utilisation of the grievance procedures and advise on possible solutions to resolve grievances.
• Investigating grievances and act as a mediator in resolving grievances.
• Representing the department in the Dispute Resolution Platforms.
• Managing provision of disciplinary processes.
• Engaging with trade unions, employees and management regarding misconduct and disciplinary matters.
• Providing guidance and technical support to management on handling of disciplinary codes and collective agreements.
• Conducting disciplinary investigations in conjunction with relevant managers regarding allegations.
• Review investigation reports and recommend appropriate actions.
• Oversee the provision of technical assistance during disciplinary investigations.
• Oversee that investigations are conducted fairly, objectively and in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Monitor progress of disciplinary cases to ensure timely resolution.
• Managing collective bargaining and stakeholder relations.
• Coordinate labour relations matters with organised labour and unions.
• Supporting departmental participation in collective bargaining processes.
• Maintaining effective relations with employee representatives and stakeholders.
• Representing the department in bargaining with council meetings and other labour forums.
• Leading the implementation of collective agreements and bargaining council resolutions.
• Promoting sound labour relations with organised labour, employee representatives and other stakeholders.
• Managing Administration Support.
• Giving input in the development of policies and operational plans.
• Attending and responding to audit matters.
• Compiling and submitting monthly and quarterly reports.
• Determining and verifying the authenticity of the evidence provided.
• Managing human and financial resources.
• Maintaining staff discipline.

Requirements

• National Senior Certificate plus a National Diploma (NQF L6) or preferably a B Degree (NQF L7) as recognised by SAQA in BCom/Human Resource Management/Labour Relations/Labour Law/Industrial Psychology/BAdmin/Public Management, Industrial Relations/LLB (Law).
• At least 3 years’ relevant Labour Relations related experience at Assistant Director/Junior Management level.
• In-depth knowledge of the following legislative prescripts: Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act, Disciplinary Code, Public Service Regulations, Public Service Act, 1994 as amended by Act 30 of 2007, PFMA, Industrial Policy and other related policies and procedures.
• Must further possess the following skills and attributes:
• Communication skills, Report Writing skills, Computer Literacy, Project Management, Financial management, Management and leadership skills, Planning and Organising
• Willingness to work extra hours
• Computer literacy with an emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint
• An independent worker, meeting timeframes
• Monitoring and managing compliance of the department with the Statutory Bodies
• A valid code 08 driving license
• Knowledge & Skills:
• Sound understanding of Labour Laws
• Employee and Employer Rights
• Collective Bargaining and Trade Unions
• Disciplinary Procedures
• Grievance Handling
• Dispute Resolution
• Workplace Policies and Compliance
• Misconduct, incapacity and poor performance matters, public sector employee relations policies and delegation
• Communication Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Knowledge of Labour Laws
• Problem Solving Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Investigation Skills
• Policy Development and Interpretation
• Organisational and Administrative Skills
• Integrity and Ethics
• Patience and Tolerance
• Attention to Detail
• Professionalism
• Self- Discipline
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to chair meetings