Industrial Relations Manager @ DHL Group

BE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE

DHL Supply Chain is the world’s leading contract logistics provider that combines value-added and management services with fulfilment and distribution. At DHL Supply Chain we are committed to looking after tomorrow & today with our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

So, what's it like to work for DHL Supply Chain? At DHL we’re proud of our international reach as it brings together people with a wide range of skills, experiences, cultures, and viewpoints. We see the diversity of our employees as a genuine strength and we’re proud of our supportive work environment where employees are given the tools and training, they need to learn, grow and succeed.

We are offering an exciting opportunity for the position of General Worker. In this position you will play a crucial role to support our vision of becoming a Great place to work for all.

Vacancy

Industrial Relations Manager

Role Outline

The incumbent in this position will be responsible for designing, implementing and developing an ER/IR strategy which is aligned with business needs. The role is responsible for creating fair, respectful, diverse and high impact solutions that enable managers to effectively deal with ER/IR issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Defining and implementing ER/IR frameworks (e.g. tools, processes, training and communication) in support of business strategy to increase employee engagement and productivity
• Influence managers to increase understanding of ER/IR (including Human Rights topics) aiming to increasing effectiveness at dealing with ER/IR issues locally, understanding the potential cross-business and -global impact to reduce business risks and support constructive social partner engagement
• Social Partner Relationships: Managing the individual and collective negotiation and management of labor relations policies and
• frameworks that aim to produce a constructive working relationship with social partners balanced with the business economic position and growth objectives in line with legislative requirements.
• Knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity, Code of Good Practices, Case law and other employment law is highly required in this role.
• Offering IR training to managers, line managers and supervisors is key as part of creating a sound labour relaiton.
• The IR manager should be able to guide managers, supervisors and other internal stakeholders on dealing with labour matters on a daily basis
• Employee Relations Risk Management: Conducting ER/IR Impact and other risk assessments to proactively support business growth agenda, assess in country risk in general and manage follow-up process in emerging markets
• Disputes and Issues Resolution: To resolve issues as quickly as possible to minimize business risk, in liaison with legal advisors on individual issues that may set important precedents.
• Business Development: Advising the business on IR related aspects to new business growth, mergers and acquisitions and commercial opportunities to understand and mitigate risk and manage smooth transition
• Policy Development and Monitoring: In line with emerging best practices and legal changes, external liaison with professional / trade bodies and legal advisors, drafting communications and responses to issues
• Experienced subject matter expert in Employee Relations / Industrial Relations
• Serve as the first point of contact for senior managers and other personnel to provide advice and support on all ER / IR issues
• Provide advice on ER/IR matters to new business development, supporting business growth agenda in the country
• The local team on risk assessment and risk management activities
• Raise managers’ awareness of ER/IR and Human Rights topics and consult business on all Employee Relations matters
• Lead on the Employee Relations aspects of proposed changes to the business structure and related communications
• Advise, guide and lead negotiations with Trade Unions and social partners, including interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements
• Handle and resolve complex and more difficult ER/IR issues e.g. policy negotiation, dispute handling, ER impact of larger organizational changes
• Provide or coordinate with Legal team to ensure legal advice and proactively provide guidance on new legislation to ensure compliance
• The incumbent must have excellent knowledge of the CCMA, NBCRLFLI disputes rules, application for excemptions. Good understanding of the main collective agreement will be very key.
• Understanding of the CCMA procedures and National Bargaining for Road Freight dispute resolution processes is key.
• Demonstrating an excellent understanding of handling arbitrations, request for postponments, application for rescissions and
• Understanding of managing Industrial Relations within a TES and Labour Broking environment. Ensuring sound relationships with different clients who might have queries relating to IR.
• Analyze ER/IR activities and climate to proactively identify trends and areas for process improvement.

Skills/Experience

• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills
• Problem solving abilities
• Influencing, persuading, negotiating skills
• Coaching and counselling skills
• Sound judgement
• Sensitivity to people issues
• Comprehensive Industrial Relations and all HR related legislation knowledge
• Experience of working closely with trade unions
• 5+ years in a HR generalist role with strong IR

Qualifications

• HR/Psychology/ Legal Degree level
• 5+ years in a HR generalist role with strong IR
• Experience in a Warehousing / Logistics environment

Languages

• English - verbal and written.