An excellent career opportunity exists for interested and qualified candidates to apply for the above-mentioned position at Namib Mills (Pty) Ltd in Windhoek.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Industrial Relations Practitioner ensures that employment relations across the Namib Foods Group are fair, consistent and legally compliant. The role advises and supports line managers on discipline, grievances and disputes, manages relationships with recognised trade unions, and represents the Group in conciliation and arbitration. It reduces legal and operational risk by applying one standard of practice across all entities. The role is as much preventive as corrective. The practitioner independently and consistently maintains a visible presence on the shop floor at every site, runs workplace forums and engagement channels, and builds sufficient trust with the workforce so that concerns are raised and resolved early, before they become grievances or disputes.

Job Summary

Employer: Namib Mills
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Category: Human Resources
Closing Date: 2026-10-29

Key Responsibilities

Facilitate workplace forums and other employee-engagement channels.
Maintain a visible and approachable presence across operating sites, shifts and departments.
Walk the floor, attend shift handovers and toolbox talks, and hold informal conversations with employees and supervisors.
Identify workplace concerns early, provide feedback and escalate unresolved risks.
Support managers and supervisors in the effective handling of employee-relations matters.
Recommend impactful training programs for employees at all job levels.
Establish and facilitate workplace forums or consultative committees at each site, with elected employee representatives and line management.
Set terms of reference, agendas and meeting calendars. Minute meetings, track actions and publish outcomes to the workforce.
Run supporting channels such as engagement surveys, focus groups, suggestion schemes and management roadshows.
Analyse results per site and agree action plans with general managers.
Explain policies, benefits and business changes in plain language.
Ensure that completed matters are recorded before filing and prepare briefing packs for approval.
Advise managers and employees on misconduct, incapacity, poor performance and grievance matters.
Guide investigations and prepare charges, notices and supporting case documentation.
Analyse Incident Trends and identify related risks across Departments and Companies.
Facilitate, Initiate or Chair hearings, grievance proceedings and Incapacity enquiries, where appropriate.
Prepare cases and represent the Group at conciliation and arbitration before the Office of the Labour Commissioner and, where applicable, the CCMA.
Prepare evidence bundles, witnesses and case documentation.
Maintain constructive relationships with recognised unions and workplace representatives.
Administer recognition and procedural agreements.
Schedule and minute consultative meetings.
Facilitate wage negotiations within the approved mandates and provide detailed feedback to stakeholders.
Respond to petitions, demands and emerging IR risks.
Keep workplace forums complementary to, and not a substitute for, recognised union structures.
Contribute to industrial action preparedness and contingency planning.
Prepare mandates, costings and benchmark data for wage negotiations.
Take part in negotiation teams.
Draft and implement agreements.
Maintain strike and lockout contingency plans.
Monitor compliance with labour legislation, collective agreements and internal IR policies.
Review relevant Audit Reports and implement preventative measures accordingly.
Support restructuring, retrenchment and transfer consultation.
Liaise with labour inspectors and assist in addressing potential or identified compliance risks.
Provide practical IR training and guidance to managers, supervisors and Human Capital practitioners.
Maintain accurate case records, registers and management reports.
Identify workplace trends and recommend preventive or corrective action.
Maintain the case register for all entities.
Supply monthly disciplinary and dispute data for Group HC reporting.
Report site visit findings and employee climate per entity.
Identify trends and recommend preventive action.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in Law, Labour Law, Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management or a related field.
A postgraduate qualification or Certificate in Labour Law is an advantage.
At least five (5) years relevant working experience in an industrial relations role within a Unionised environment.
Proven experience representing an employer at conciliation and arbitration proceedings.
Direct involvement in wage negotiations and union consultation.
Manufacturing, FMCG or Agri-processing experience is an advantage.
Sound knowledge of the Namibian Labour Act 11 of 2007, its regulations and relevant case law.
Affirmative Action (Employment) Act 29 of 1998, Social Security Act 34 of 1994 and Employees’ Compensation Act 30 of 1941.
Working knowledge of South African labour law (Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997) for NM South Africa and Gordonia Mills.
Sound knowledge of disciplinary and grievance procedures, evidence, collective bargaining and recognition agreements.
Fluent in English; Afrikaans and Oshiwambo or another Namibian language an advantage
Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel and Word
Valid Code B driver’s licence and willingness to travel
Willingness to work outside normal hours when operationally required

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: namib-mills.simplify.hr

About the Company

Namib Mills (Pty) Ltd is a pivotal company operating within Namibia's critical food production and supply chain. This entity is dedicated to ensuring the reliable availability of essential food products throughout the country. With its operations firmly rooted in Namibia, the company actively supports the nation's vital agricultural sector. Divisions like Feedmaster are central to its integrated approach, enhancing food security and rural development. Namib Mills significantly contributes to Namibia's economic stability and the nutritional needs of its population.

Driving Namibia's Food Production & Supply Chain.

Website: https://www.namibmills.com/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications or certifications do I need to become an Industrial Relations Practitioner in Namibia?

Most employers require a diploma or degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or Industrial Psychology from institutions like NUST or UNAM. Professional certification from the Namibia Institute of Professional Accountants (NIPA) or the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) strengthens your profile significantly.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Industrial Relations Practitioner?

You will handle employee grievances, disciplinary hearings, and union negotiations while ensuring compliance with the Namibian Labour Act. Daily tasks include drafting employment contracts, advising management on labour law matters, and maintaining workplace harmony through conflict resolution.

How does workplace culture in Namibia affect this role?

Namibian workplaces value respectful hierarchy and relationship-building, so successful practitioners invest time in personal connections with employees and union representatives. Understanding local languages and cultural norms across diverse ethnic groups is essential for effective communication and trust-building.

What career progression opportunities exist for Industrial Relations Practitionists in Namibia?

With experience, you can advance to Senior IR Manager, HR Director, or specialize as a labour law consultant. Some practitioners transition into corporate training, arbitration services, or establish private labour consulting firms serving multiple Namibian employers.

What benefits are typically offered for full-time Industrial Relations roles at companies like Namib Mills?

Standard packages usually include annual leave as prescribed by the Namibian Labour Act, medical aid contributions, and pension fund membership through industry schemes or private arrangements. Additional benefits may vary by employer and are typically negotiated during the hiring process.

How should I apply for an Industrial Relations Practitioner position, and what do Namibian employers prioritize?

Submit a comprehensive CV highlighting specific labour law knowledge and dispute resolution experience through company career portals or recruitment agencies active in Namibia. Employers prioritize candidates with proven experience handling Namibian labour regulations, strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrated integrity in sensitive employee matters.