Job Description

:Segment: Royal Canin, Mars Food, Mars MultisalesLocation: Johannesburg, South AfricaThe Employee Relations Manager will serve as the point of contact for Associate Relations issues and inquiries for a cross segment, cross functional client group in South Africa.Handle cases and inquiries, mitigate risk and minimize adverse impact to the organization through application of policies, practices and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Resolve issues and address client needs to ensure situations are resolved fairly, objectively, and in a manner that aligns with our Five Principles and the Associate Concept.Responsibilities include building trust, credibility and collaborative relationships with line managers and associates.Context and Scope

• The IMESA Employee Relations Manager provides ER support to all segments in South Africa (Royal Canin, Mars Food and Mars Multisales). The role supports about 350 associates in Mars SA over 3 sites (Johannesburg, Cape Town).
• The role is a member of the AR IMESA team (India, Middle East and Africa) with a remote IMESA manager. The role is part of the European/India/Africa ER team. The role is a stand-alone role in South Africa.

What are we looking for?

• University degree or equivalent, preferably in in Human Resources
• 6 years of experience working in Human Resources, Employee relations, BP/Generalist
• Strong communication, written and interpersonal skills
• Deep knowledge and understanding of South African employment and labor regulations. Experience with CCMA cases and labour court in SA.
• Team player with customer mindset, build trust and approachable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, confident in People and Organization (P&O) data analytics and insights generation
• Strong conflict management skills
• Ability to work independently (Stand Alone) and own discrete areas of responsibility
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and handle high case load with resilience
• The ER manager will be required to work in office location at least 50% of the time. Working from home is allowed (1- 2 days per week) aligned with business needs. There will be a requirement to travel to other SA site locations. Travel could equate up to 15% of time

What will be your key responsibilities?Issue resolution:

• Ensure associate & business advocacy and lead grievance and disciplinary process in line with Mars guidelines to build a fair, trustworthy and inclusive workplace.
• Perform Associate Relations investigations in line with our Investigation Protocol
• Partner with legal counsel to represent the business in legal and governmental proceedings.
• Lead CCMA cases and any labour court cases
• Ensure accurate input into Service Now system case management and that cases are responded to in a timely manner. Ensure tracking and reporting on AR case trends.
• Engage with peers and AR Lead India & MESA regarding complex, high risk situations.

Performance concerns

• Partner with and coach line managers on performance management process and documentation.
• Review and recommend next steps regarding separations, severance options and transition assistance.
• Ensure that advice and support is provided to line managers on a range of AR topics including but not limited to performance improvement, conduct issues, grievances, sickness absence, flexible working requests and workplace concerns.

Build Line Manager Capability for Issue avoidance.

• Provide coaching and training to line managers and P&O partners in the areas related to employment law, grievance management and performance management.
• Deliver AR capability programs for line managers to lead in the Mars way
• Provide interpretation & consultation to ensure fair application of policies and processes to associates.

Labor authorities/ Union management and engagement

• Maintain positive relationship with relevant external stakeholders - Regulatory authorities, union and community.
• Collaborate and engage with union at sites to ensure harmony while protecting the Mars culture and our ways of working ensuring business continuity.
• Proactively access union challenges and raise potential challenges with site leadership teams.
• Anchor union meetings on an ongoing basis to maintain collaborative relationships and guide and lead in consultation/negotiation with unions.

Culture pulse and Partnership

• Partner and build relationships with P&O BPs/heads and unit leadership teams to achieve aligned goals on people strategy.
• Partner with P&O BP on Org Design Transformations including org restructures, M&A integration and changes to terms and conditions of employment.
• Serve as the guardian of the Mars culture and be the pulse of the business by providing associate and organization insights.
• Analyze Associate Relations cases and ensure root causes are proactively addressed.
• Make recommendations regarding policies, practices and procedures focused on improving consistency, effectiveness and capability.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where were striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

Mars