Deputy Director: Employee Relations

About the role

The Department of Social Development (Eastern Cape) is hiring a Deputy Director: Employee Relations, based in Provincial Office, Bisho. This is a permanent post, paying R932,292 to R1,098,195 a year. How to apply: Applicants must strictly apply using only the provincial e-Recruitment system which is available on www.ecprov.gov.za, or https://www.ecprov.gov.za or https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za/. The system is available 24/7 and closes at 23:59 on the closing date. To report technical glitches, for assistance regarding the system, and/or for activation of your profile, send an email with your ID Number, your profile email address, details of the issue to recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za. (NB: For technical glitches only - No CVs). Technical support is limited to working hours: (08:00-16:30 Mon-Thursday and 08:00-16:00 on Fri). Should you submit your applications/ CV to: recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za and not as specified, your application will be regarded as lost and not be considered. Refer all application related enquiries to the specified contact person. Applications must be submitted via the provincial e-recruitment system accessible at: https://ecprov.gov.za (under Careers) and/or at https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za. The Provincial e-Recruitment System is available 24/7 and closes at 23: 59 on the Closing Date. To report any e- Recruitment System challenges send an email with your (i) ID Number, (ii) profile email address, (iii) details of your issue to: recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za. Do not send any applications to this email address; should you do so, your applications/ CV will be regarded as lost and will not be considered. Technical support is limited to working hours: (08:00 16:30 Mon-Thursday and 08:00- 16:00 on Friday). Direct all enquiries to the specified enquiries person or email Address. Reference number to quote: DSD 02/11/2026 Closing date: 13 November 2026. Applications received after closing date will not be considered. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: EE Target: Africans/White Male

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate labour relations and collective bargaining functions within the Department.
• Provide advice and support to management on labour relations matters, disciplinary processes, grievances, misconduct, incapacity and dispute resolution.
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of labour relations policies, procedures and collective agreements.
• Represent the Department in disciplinary hearings, conciliations, arbitrations and negotiations at relevant bargaining council structures, including the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council.
• Facilitate sound employer-employee relations and promote labour peace within the Department.
• Monitor compliance with labour legislation, collective agreements and departmental policies.
• Analyse labour relations trends and case law, and develop intervention strategies to address workplace conflict and misconduct.
• Compile reports, submissions and statistics on labour relations matters.
• Liaise with organised labour, management and relevant stakeholders on labour relations and collective bargaining matters.
• Supervise staff and ensure effective management of resources within the component.

Requirements

• National Senior Certificate Plus a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 6/7) in Law, Labour Relations, Human Resource Management or any relevant/equivalent qualification.
• 3-5 to 5 years’ relevant experience at Assistant Director level in Labour Relations.
• A driver’s licence is a prerequisite.
• Competencies
• Sound knowledge of Labour relations legislation and prescripts
• Including the Labour Relations Act
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act
• Public Service Act
• Public Service Regulations
• Disciplinary procedures
• Grievance management and collective bargaining processes
• Knowledge of PSCBC and sectoral council resolutions and policies
• Strong leadership, conflict management, negotiation, dispute resolution, analytical, report-writing and problem-solving skills
• Good communication, stakeholder management, planning and organisational skills
• Ability to interpret and apply labour legislation and policies
• Computer literacy in MS Office packages
• Strong supervisory and people-management skills