Manager: People & Culture and Labour Relations (FMCG)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

A Crucial Strategic Role at the Heart of HR & Labour Relations

Are you a seasoned HR professional who thrives on balancing people-centric leadership with solid labour relations expertise? Do you have a strategic and tactical mindset, and a passion for influencing culture and shaping the future of work?  

We are looking for a People & Culture & Labour Relations Manager to join a highly dynamic team and lead their people strategy while strengthening employee and union relationships. This role is pivotal to their ongoing transformation and future workforce stability.

Please forward your CV to

Role Overview

You will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, drive impactful HR strategies, and lead their labour relations agenda. This includes managing union engagements, dispute resolution, and employee engagement initiatives while ensuring alignment with local legislation and business goals.

This is a Gauteng-based role, supporting approximately 344 employees (including 70–80 at a unionised factory site) with no direct reports, but clear career progression potential.

Key Responsibilities Strategic HR Business Partnering

• Collaborate with the Director of People & Culture and senior business leaders to translate business needs into effective people strategies.

• Implement global P&C initiatives locally, ensuring alignment with market-specific needs and compliance requirements.

• Act as a change agent and coach for line managers, building leadership capability and driving transformation.

Labour & Employee Relations Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the labour relations strategy aligned to business and workforce needs.

• Manage union engagements including negotiations, wage agreements, consultations, and information-sharing forums.

• Represent the company in internal disciplinary hearings, CCMA cases, arbitrations, and disputes.

• Work closely with legal and compliance teams to ensure practices are aligned with current legislation.

• Resolve grievances and proactively implement employee engagement initiatives to maintain a positive work culture.

HR Operations & Advisory

• Support workforce planning, recruitment, redeployment, and internal mobility in line with business needs.

• Advise on job profiling, headcount planning, and development of business cases for HR-related proposals.

• Partner with line managers to embed performance management, talent reviews, development plans, and succession planning.

Organisational Effectiveness & DE&I

• Monitor internal workforce trends and provide insights to support agility, growth, and retention.

• Lead the Employment Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

• Champion fair, ethical, and inclusive workplace practices.

Requirements

• Minimum 8+ years’ HR experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior generalist and/or labour relations role.

• Grade 12 and a relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or Industrial Psychology.

• Formal training in Labour/Employee Relations is essential.

• Deep expertise in South African labour law, CCMA procedures, bargaining councils, and union negotiations.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex employee matters with discretion, empathy, and strategic foresight.

• Must be fluent in Zulu to effectively engage factory employees.

Key Competencies

• Labour Relations & Union Negotiation

• Conflict Resolution & Case Management

• Strategic Workforce Planning

• Talent Development & Performance Management

• Coaching & Change Management

• Negotiation & Influence

• Business Acumen & Commercial Savvy

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocacy

What’s on Offer

• A high-impact leadership role in a dynamic, forward-thinking business.

• A chance to influence both strategic HR initiatives and labour engagement frameworks.

• Exposure to global HR best practices and an opportunity to grow your career in a globally connected environment.

• A visible, respected position where your voice and expertise truly matter.