Industrial Relations Specialist

Job ID

2026-2304

Category

Human Resources

Location : City

Free State

Location : Country (Full Name)

South Africa

Want to join a frontrunner in renewable energy that is actively seeking early entry into new markets globally? Since its establishment in 2007, Scatec has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in developing, building and operating solar, wind and hydro power plants and storage solutions. Driven by our company values and competent global workforce, we aim to deliver competitive and sustainable renewable energy globally; protect our environment and improve quality of life through innovative integration of technology; and create shareholder value. We are present on four continents and are headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

Main purpose of position:
We are seeking an experienced Industrial Relations (IR) Specialist to join our global team in Thakadu, Free State, as we work toward our vision: Improving our Future. In this role, you will be responsible for safeguarding project stability by proactively managing labour relations, community engagement, and stakeholder communication at project level. The role ensures alignment between project execution, contractor compliance, labour legislation, and community expectations. It identifies and mitigates industrial relations and social risks that may impact project timelines, compliance, cost, or reputation. The IR Specialist acts as a trusted advisor to project leadership, ensuring structured stakeholder engagement, early conflict resolution, and responsible local participation in line with Scatec’s standards and regulatory requirements.

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communication and stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with project milestones.
• Prepare and distribute clear, timely communication materials to ensure accurate information flow and prevent misinformation.
• Represent the project in community, municipal, and industry engagements.
• Monitor labour dynamics, identify risks early, and support dispute resolution in line with legislation and policies.
• Ensure contractor compliance with labour laws, local recruitment protocols, and project commitments.
• Promote local economic participation by engaging SMMEs, supporting procurement initiatives, and maintaining local databases.
• Identify, assess, and manage IR and community-related risks, including implementing grievance mechanisms and mitigation strategies.
• Provide advisory support and collaborate cross-functionally to align stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams on labour and community matters.

Qualifications and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Psychology, HR, Law, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in Industrial Relations, Labour Relations, or Community Relations within infrastructure, construction, energy, mining, or similar project-based environments
• Proven experience managing labour disputes, grievance processes, and mediation in high-risk or unionised environments.
• Experience working with contractors and subcontractors on labour compliance and recruitment protocols.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with community leadership structures and local stakeholders.
• Experience identifying and mitigating social and industrial risks impacting project delivery.
• Willingness and ability to travel between and work across various project sites as required.

Advantageous:

• Experience in renewable energy or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to multi-contractor project environments.
• Experience working in remote or rural project locations

Personal characteristics:

It is part of every employee’s term of reference to contribute to Scatec's vision: Improving our Future and adhere to our company values which are:

• Predictable: demonstrate clear communication and listening skills, shares information in an open and honest way
• Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritise and work independently
• Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiates and adjust
• Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, can compromise, has a can-do attitude

For the particular role we also expect:

• Strong ability to identify, assess, and mitigate social and industrial risks proactively.
• Excellent conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication, with the ability to influence stakeholders and contractors without direct authority.
• High emotional intelligence and sensitivity in managing diverse stakeholders.
• Strong governance, documentation discipline, and ability to perform in high-pressure project environments.

We offer:
Scatec is an exciting, innovative and ambitious company operating in a growing industry. We offer a challenging and interesting position where you will be part of a flexible, diverse and truly international working environment consisting of highly competent and committed colleagues with a positive drive to make a difference.

Scatec is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by appropriate law. All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence and business need.

Applications will be processed on a continuous basis.