Employee Relations Manager;

Komatsu, Tokyo, Japan

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Job Description

Employee Relations Manager

Posting Start Date: 8/13/26

Job Location (Short): Wadeville, Germiston, Gauteng, ZAF,

Requisition ID: 36646

Onsite or Remote: Onsite Position

The position will be based in Wadeville, and the incumbent will report to the Human Resources Director.

Company Information

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

If you want to learn more about Komatsu, please visit our website at

Job Specification (not totally inclusive)

Develop and implement an employee relations strategy aligned with the company’s business and people priorities;
Advise the HR Director, executive leadership and line management on complex employee and labour relations matters;
Identify emerging employee relations risks and implement proactive measures to maintain workplace stability;
Develop employee relations dashboards, trend analyses and risk reports to support management decision-making;
Build and maintain constructive relationships with trade unions, and employee representatives;
Lead or support collective bargaining, wage negotiations and the negotiation of collective and procedural agreements;
Coordinate formal consultation forums and ensure that agreed actions are documented and implemented;
Facilitate the effective resolution of workplace disputes, grievances and areas of disagreement;
Provide specialist guidance on discipline, incapacity, absenteeism, misconduct and poor performance;
Oversee complex and high-risk employee relations cases to ensure fairness, consistency and legal compliance;
Represent the company at the CCMA, bargaining councils and other dispute-resolution forums;
Ensure compliance with labour legislation, collective agreements, company policies and employee relations procedures;
Review and maintain disciplinary codes, grievance procedures, recognition agreements and related governance frameworks; and
Strengthen management and HR capability through coaching, training and practical tools that promote trust, accountability, engagement and labour stability.

Minimum Skills required.

A relevant bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labour Law or a related discipline.
A postgraduate qualification in Industrial Relations, Labour Law or a related field will be advantageous;
At least 8 Employee Relations experience preferable within Manufacturing/Engineering environment of which 3 years must have been working as the Employee Relations Manager;
Substantial experience in a unionized industrial, manufacturing, engineering or mining environment and demonstrated experience in collective bargaining, union engagement and dispute resolution;
Strong practical knowledge of South African employment legislation, including the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Employment Equity Act;
Proven experience managing disciplinary proceedings, grievances, CCMA or bargaining-council matters and operational-requirements consultations;
Experience advising senior managers and operational leaders on complex and sensitive employee relations matters; and
A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to company operations and customer sites.

Behavioral Competencies required.

Strategic thinking and business acumen, anticipates employee relations risks and aligns solutions with business and people priorities;
Integrity and sound judgement , handles sensitive matters fairly, ethically and consistently while making balanced, legally sound decisions;
Influencing and negotiation, builds consensus and secures sustainable outcomes with leadership, managers, trade unions and employee representatives;
Conflict resolution and resilience, remains composed under pressure and facilitates constructive resolution of complex disputes and workplace challenges; and
Relationship building and communication, establishes trust, listens objectively and communicates clearly with diverse stakeholders across the organisation.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

Applicants whose skills, competencies, and experience best match the above requirements will be invited for an interview.

Closing Date: 26 August 2026

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