About the position
A respected national institution supporting local government is looking for a highly skilled and experienced legal professional to lead its Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining portfolio. This strategic role offers an exciting opportunity to influence labour frameworks and empower municipalities to build stronger, more resilient workforce systems.
About the Role
- As the Senior Manager: Collective Bargaining & Labour Relations, you will play a critical role in shaping employer-employee dynamics across municipalities.
- Your work will include advisory services, representation in formal dispute processes, and the development of effective strategies that ensure compliance with labour legislation and promote sound governance.
- You will serve as a key advisor on labour and employment matters, guide municipalities on complex cases, and ensure alignment with national frameworks and sector priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal and strategic guidance on collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and labour relations.
- Represent municipalities in national bargaining forums, at the CCMA, disciplinary hearings, and in Labour Court matters.
- Develop labour-related policies, strategies, frameworks, and training interventions for municipalities.
- Support municipalities with hands-on advice on strike management, incapacity processes, grievance resolution, and litigation.
- Lead and coordinate capacity-building efforts to strengthen local government HR and labour capabilities.
- Conduct sector-wide research, analysis, and benchmarking on labour trends and legislative developments.
- Foster strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including public entities, bargaining councils, government departments, and external partners.
- Drive innovation and improvement in municipal labour systems through integrated, cross-functional advisory work.
Minimum Requirements
- Admission as an Attorney or Advocate.
- LLB, B.Proc or related postgraduate law qualification (Master's Degree advantageous).
- Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience, with at least 5 years at a senior strategic level within labour relations or collective bargaining.
- In-depth knowledge of South African labour legislation and regulatory frameworks.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel nationally.
Competencies & Attributes
- Advanced understanding of dispute resolution systems, collective bargaining mechanisms, and strike handling procedures.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and advocacy skills.
- Strong legal drafting, analytical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
- High levels of professionalism, ethics, and political acumen.
- Self-starter with emotional resilience, innovation mindset, and service orientation.
Why Apply?
- This is more than just a legal or HR role it is a unique opportunity to influence national labour policy at local government level, enhance institutional capacity, and make a long-term impact on governance and service delivery in South Africa.
Ready to lead change in local government labour relations?
Submit your detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Desired Skills:
- Collective Bargaining
- Labour Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Representative
- Attorney
- Advocate
Desired Work Experience:
Desired Qualification Level:
