Employee Relations Manager

Job Advert Summary

PG Bison, a proudly South African leader in the decorative wood panel industry, is looking for a dynamic Employee Relations Manager to join our Human Capital team at Ugie. With innovation, sustainability, and people at the heart of our business, we are committed to creating a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace where our employees can thrive.

As our Employee Relations Manager, you will play a critical role in driving positive employee relations across the business by ensuring compliance with labour legislation, company policies, and best practice. You will lead and support disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and dispute resolution processes, while providing expert guidance to management on employee relations matters.

Minimum Requirements

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Psychology, Labour Relations, or related field.
• Honours Degree in Labour Relations (advantageous)
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Employee Relations or Labour Relations management.
• Strong knowledge of labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience handling disciplinary hearings, grievances, and dispute resolution processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.

If you’re ready to bring creativity, leadership, and impact to a business that values people and excellence, we want to hear from you.

Duties & Responsibilities

As an Employee Relations Manager, you will:

• Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions, grievances, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, company policies, procedures, and employment regulations.
• Manage and coordinate disciplinary hearings, investigations, consultations, and incapacity processes.
• Support managers and supervisors with employee engagement, performance improvement, and workplace conduct matters.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve employee relations strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate employee relations records, documentation, and reporting.
• Partner with Human Capital and leadership teams to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture.
• Represent the organisation in CCMA and bargaining council matters where required.
• Identify potential workplace risks and recommend practical, legally compliant solutions.
• Provide training and guidance to management on labour relations best practices and legislative requirements.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with employees, shop stewards, and union representatives.
• Monitor trends in employee relations and recommend proactive initiatives to improve workplace harmony and organisational effectiveness.