About the position
Introduction
The position of Employee Relations Associate is vacant. The Employee Relations Associate will report directly to the Employee Relations Specialist, and form part of the Corporate Services Division. The position is based at the Head Office in Pretoria.
Overview:
The Employee Relations Associate is a support role within the Corporate Services Division at GEMS Head Office in Pretoria, reporting to the Employee Relations Specialist. The position focuses on providing operational support in managing employee relations matters to ensure fairness, compliance, and a positive work environment.
The Annual Total remuneration package for this position is between R 540,029 and R 674,894, negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
The closing date for applications will be Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Employee Relations Associate will be required to perform the following functions within the Corporate Services Division under the supervision of the Employee Relations Specialist through the implementation of the following:
- Provide operational support and advice to line management and employees on Employee Relations (ER) matters.
- Ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment legislation.
- Administer grievances, disciplinary matters, and consultation processes in accordance with organisational policies and labour legislation.
- Prepare and maintain ER case files, registers, and documentation, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and audit readiness.
- Capture, record, and track ER outcomes, providing statistical and analytical reports for management review.
- Provide guidance to managers and supervisors regarding disciplinary and grievance handling procedures.
- Draft notices, correspondence, and minutes for disciplinary hearings and other ER matters.
- Support investigations and ensure procedural consistency in all ER processes.
- Promote fairness, respect, and adherence to the GEMS Code of Ethics and organisational values in all interactions.
- Assist in organising and providing secretariat support for the Joint Workplace Bargaining Forum and other ER-related committees.
- Participate in employee engagement and culture initiatives that promote sound labour practices and a positive working environment.
- Support the rollout of HR and culture-related projects, including policy implementation and change initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and Employment Equity Act (EEA).
- Assist with risk monitoring and preparing documentation for audits or legal submissions.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Qualification requirements are:
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, or Labour Law (Essential)
- Bachelor's Degree in HR or related field (Desirable)
- Labour Relations short course or certificate (Desirable) an added advantage
Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 2-3 years' Employee Relations administrative experience (Essential)
- Experience in disciplinary and grievance procedures (Essential)
- Experience in a unionised sector environment (Desirable)
Behavioural Competencies
- Professional Conduct and Integrity: Ethical, fair, confidential, and compliant behaviour.
- Interpersonal Sensitivity and Empathy: Respectful and impartial in all employee dealings.
- Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Conflict Management: Able to address and resolve workplace issues constructively.
- Decision-Making and Judgement: Sound reasoning within legal and policy frameworks.
- Accountability and Reliability: Dependable and deadline driven.
- Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Maintains quality and accuracy in all documentation.
- Adaptability: Flexible and open to change.
- Teamwork: Collaborative and supportive.
- Customer & Member Focus: Professional and responsive approach to stakeholders.
- Emotional Resilience: Calm and stable under pressure and conflict.
- Continuous Improvement: Committed to learning, growth, and innovation.
Desirable
- Understanding of the medical schemes industry.
Interested?
GEMS employs people with the highest level of integrity - submission to the appropriate pre-employment assessment is obligatory to be considered for the position.
Kindly note that the information provided on the application for the position may be shared with a third party for vetting purposes and will be stored by GEMS for a period of 5 years.
Kindly note that information is required for the Recruitment and Selection Process Purposes, and information gathered is strictly used according to the intended purpose of collection, unless there is a legal need or permission is granted from the applicant themselves to make use of it for other purposes
Should you wish to have your information removed from the GEMS database, kindly send a request in writing to [Email Address Removed] .
GEMS adopts a hybrid work model
An internal employee must be in their current role for at least 12 months before they will be considered for other vacancies within the Scheme.
GEMS reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment.
GEMS is guided by the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to groups who are underrepresented in accordance with the GEMS employment equity plan.
Successful candidates will be required to seek approval to conduct other work outside of GEMS.
GEMS Employees are required to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the organisation's paramount values: Excellence, Member Value, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.
