Administration · Circular 29 of 2026
Deputy Director: Collective Bargaining, Negotiation and
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Overview
Deputy Director responsible for managing collective bargaining processes and representing the Department at the Departmental Bargaining Chamber in Pretoria.
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF6) in Labour Relations or relevant qualification as recognized by SAQA.
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in collective bargaining / labour relations of which three (3) years should be at an entry / junior managerial level (Assistant Director level or equivalent).
- Knowledge of Labour Relations Act.
- Knowledge and understanding of project management, financial management and change management.
- People management and empowerment.
- Understanding HR policies, processes and procedures.
- Knowledge of Labour Relations processes.
- Good interpersonal relations, stakeholder engagement and research skills.
- Problem Solving and analysis.
- Good interpersonal relations skills.
- Ability to gather and analyse information.
- Ability to collect and interpret information and reports.
- Ability to develop, interpret, and apply policies.
- Ability to work with difficult people and to resolve conflicts Ability to work individually and in team.
Duties
- Manage and represent at the Departmental Bargaining Chamber and provide support.
- Manage and coordinate collective bargaining processes.
- Coordinate DBC meetings and represent the department.
- Ensure participation of Unions on Departmental committees.
- Facilitate negotiations on behalf of the Department to ensure effective and compliant outcomes.
- Presenting proposals and establishing ground rules.
- Bargaining by exchanging offers and counteroffers, often involving "good faith" negotiations.
- Ensure implementation of agreements emerging from bargaining structures.
- Manage and facilitate capacity-building (workshops and training) initiatives on employee relations matters to enhance organizational capability and ensure effective application of Labour relations policies and practice.
- Identify gaps and provide advice on the required development.
- Manage the coordination of workshops on employee relations processes and ensure stakeholders are engaged on course content.
- Provide employee relations advisory services to management and staff, ensuring informed decision-making and compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and Labour legislation.
- Support and advise managers in the drafting and issuance of intention and warning letters, ensuring compliance with labour legislation, policies, and procedural fairness.
- Advise Managers and supervisors on management of discipline in the workplace especially progressive discipline.
- Provide guidance on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and dispute resolution processes.
- Review and recommend appropriate actions in complex employee relations cases.
- Provide expert input on organizational policies to ensure compliance with labour laws and best practices.
How to apply
All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
Enquiries: Mr. L May Tel No: (012) 399 9245
Notes
Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link. Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references. Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant. No late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to: Criminal records; Citizenship status; Credit worthiness; Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification. Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience. Entry level requirements for SMS posts: In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment. The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme. Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Following the interview and technical passement for all SMS posts, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments. Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013.
Post 29/20, sourced from the DPSA Circular 29 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment by 31 August 2026, 16:00. No late application will be accepted, quoting reference CMS31/2026. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.
- Location
- Pretoria
- Salary
- R932 292 p/a
- Closing date
- 31 August 2026, 16:00. No late application will be accepted
- Reference
- CMS31/2026
Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.