Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Director: Collective Bargaining, Negotiation and Employee Engagement Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated individual for the role of Deputy Director: Collective Bargaining, Negotiation and Employee Engagement. This key position, based in Pretoria, offers a substantial opportunity to contribute to the department's labour relations framework.

This role involves leading and managing collective bargaining processes, facilitating negotiations, and providing expert advisory services on employee relations matters. The successful candidate will play a critical part in ensuring fair and compliant outcomes within the departmental bargaining chamber.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Labour Relations or a relevant qualification recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in collective bargaining or labour relations.
• At least three (3) years of the required experience must be at an entry or junior managerial level (Assistant Director level or equivalent).
• Knowledge of the Labour Relations Act.
• Knowledge and understanding of project management, financial management, and change management.
• Understanding of HR policies, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Labour Relations processes.
• Skills in people management and empowerment.
• Good interpersonal relations, stakeholder engagement, and research skills.
• Ability to gather, analyse, collect, and interpret information and reports.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and apply policies.
• Ability to work with difficult people and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and represent the Department at the Departmental Bargaining Chamber and provide essential support.
• Manage and coordinate collective bargaining processes and DBC meetings, representing the department.
• Ensure the active participation of Unions on Departmental committees.
• Facilitate negotiations on behalf of the Department, including presenting proposals, establishing ground rules, and exchanging offers and counteroffers in good faith.
• Ensure the effective implementation of agreements arising from bargaining structures.
• Manage and facilitate capacity-building initiatives, such as workshops and training, on employee relations to enhance organisational capability and ensure the effective application of Labour Relations policies and practices.
• Identify gaps and advise on required development, coordinating workshops and engaging stakeholders on course content.
• Provide comprehensive employee relations advisory services to management and staff to support informed decision-making and compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and Labour legislation.
• Support and advise managers in drafting and issuing intention and warning letters, ensuring compliance and procedural fairness.
• Advise managers and supervisors on managing discipline, including progressive discipline, and provide guidance on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and dispute resolution processes.
• Review and recommend appropriate actions in complex employee relations cases.
• Provide expert input on organisational policies to ensure compliance with labour laws and best practices.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online.

• Visit the eRecruitment portal: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
• Locate the vacancy using the reference number: CMS31/2026
• Complete the online application process as instructed.

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026.