Communications and Digital Technologies Deputy Director: Employee Relations Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is seeking a dedicated individual to join their team as a Deputy Director for Employee Relations. This permanent position, based in Pretoria, is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and compliant labour environment within the department.

This role involves overseeing the full spectrum of employee relations, from policy management and advisory services to dispute resolution and collective bargaining. It is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the department's operational efficiency and employee well-being by ensuring adherence to public service prescripts and labour laws.

Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification or Degree in Labour Relations, Labour Law, Human Resources Management, or an equivalent field recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience at Assistant Director or Middle Management level specifically in delivering labour relations services.
• Proficiency in PERSAL.
• Skills & Knowledge: Job knowledge, Quality of Work, Initiatives, Planning and Execution, Communication, Teamwork, Reliability, Ability to Meet Deadlines, Ability to Work Under Pressure, Service Delivery Innovation, Project Management, Report Writing, Investigation, Problem Solving and Analysis, Negotiation, Discipline Management, Collective Bargaining, Conflict and Dispute Resolution, Research, Data Analysis, Presentation, Facilitation, Honesty, Integrity, Business Partnering, HCM Systems, HCM Policies and Procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design and maintenance of employee relations policies, plans, systems, guidelines, procedures, and processes.
• Monitor compliance with relevant public service prescripts.
• Provide advice on all Employee Relations legislative frameworks and processes, including rights and obligations, policy interpretation, and labour law.
• Facilitate capacity-building programs on employee relations matters and discipline management.
• Obtain mandates and represent the department in relevant employee relations structures, hearings, and forums.
• Manage conciliation/arbitration cases and the implementation of awards and Labour Court judgments.
• Coordinate and monitor labour disputes in collaboration with legal services/state attorney.
• Manage and conduct employee relations investigations, draft charge sheets, and ensure resolutions are approved and implemented.
• Facilitate the resolution of employee grievances and disputes.
• Facilitate disciplinary/consequence management processes, including referral of criminal cases to law enforcement agencies.
• Manage and facilitate the department’s collective bargaining processes and agreements.
• Establish and maintain partnerships and liaise regularly with organised labour.
• Manage and facilitate appeal processes, including appointing committee members, investigators/initiators, and chairpersons.

What the Work Involves

As a Deputy Director for Employee Relations, you will be based in Pretoria, Hatfield, taking on a crucial role in managing the labour landscape within the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Your daily work will involve a combination of strategic planning and hands-on case management. You will be responsible for developing and updating employee relations policies and procedures, ensuring they comply with public service regulations and labour laws.

A significant part of your role will involve providing expert advice to employees and supervisors on their rights, obligations, and the interpretation of labour legislation. You will frequently represent the department in various labour relations forums, including conciliation and arbitration hearings, and manage the implementation of awards and court judgments. This position requires strong investigative skills to conduct employee relations inquiries, draft charge sheets, and facilitate disciplinary processes, ensuring fair and timely resolution of cases. You will also be key in facilitating collective bargaining processes and maintaining effective relationships with organised labour.