Sector Industrial Relations Lead - Distribution Sector

The IR Lead is responsible for managing employee relations & industrial relations matters across the sector and driving improved governance and best practice IR within the subsidiary HR Teams.

Job Description:

• Maintain an on-the-ground awareness of the sector’s employment and industrial relations climate.
• Responsible for providing advice on and administering the sector’s employee and industrial relations matters.
• Oversee employee communications; ensure that employees are aware of their job role and functions and group HR policies & procedures.
• Organize staff town hall sessions/events as required to present sector ER/IR initiatives or to relay information stemming from ER/IR implementation. Provide the first point of contact after the line manager for staff with grievances or line managers pursuing progressive disciplinary action. Provide advice and progresses actions in accordance with policy stages/procedures; refers upwards to sector hr manager/group IR as required. Keep abreast of legislation, case law and practice (including health & safety legislation)
• Meet IR workplan deadlines inclusive of ensuring that company proposals are developed and delivered to the union by the marked deadline dates, negotiations are concluded as per mandates and the progressing of negotiations to breakdowns/conciliations/arbitrations as necessary and expeditiously.
• Conduct disciplinary hearings expeditiously and ensure that grievance handling is in accordance with the hr bluebooks and respective collective agreements.
• Deliver various reports on a scheduled basis to group hr inclusive: ER/IR indicator reports, negotiation update reports, weekly IR reports et. al.
• Conduct IR training/coaching to supervisors/managers in order to develop IR competencies on a scheduled basis.
• Represent the company in labour arbitration and grievance proceedings
• Ensure the company complies with all relevant labor laws, employment standards, and industry regulations.
• Monitor and interpret changes in labor laws and regulations, advising the organization on necessary adjustments to policies and practices.
• Conduct audits and assessments to ensure company policies align with regulatory requirements
• Provide counsel to senior leadership on risk mitigation strategies related to industrial relations matters.
• Recommend policy amendments if necessary
• Perform any other related duties as required by the job function, or as instructed by the Manager or anyone designated to act on their behalf and compliance with all ANSA McAL Group policies.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR/IR/Law or any other related discipline is required.
• A master’s degree would be considered an asset
• At least 3-5 years’ work experience in as Industrial Relations role
• Certificate or Diploma in Industrial Relations
• Willing to travel regionally if required