Graduate Intern: Group Employment Relations

Old Mutual, a prominent financial services leader with a significant Pan-African presence and a listing on the JSE, is extending an opportunity for a Graduate Intern to join their Group Employment Relations team in Johannesburg. This role is ideal for a recent graduate eager to immerse themselves in the complexities of employee relations within a large, established organisation. Old Mutual's core purpose, "Enabling Positive Futures Every Day," extends beyond customer experience to highlight the critical role of a positive employee experience, making this internship a valuable stepping stone for aspiring HR or legal professionals.

About the Role and Team

The Group Employment Relations Practice operates within Old Mutual's broader Group Human Capital (HC) division. This specialised team is dedicated to providing expert employee relations support across the entire Old Mutual Limited organisation. Their mandate involves equipping and empowering line managers and Human Capital practitioners with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate employee engagement effectively, all within the framework of South African labour legislation. This includes advising on contracts, policies, and standard operating procedures, as well as actively participating in risk management initiatives and technical training programmes. A significant aspect of the practice's work involves fostering robust employee relations, particularly in engagement with trade unions and the broader employee base. This internship offers a direct window into these crucial functions.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Graduate Intern, you will gain practical exposure to a wide spectrum of activities within the Employment Relations practice. Your responsibilities will be diverse and will provide a comprehensive understanding of the field. Key areas of involvement include:

• **Administrative Support:** Assisting with the administrative aspects of both Employment Relations (ER) and Employment Equity (EE) functions, ensuring smooth operation and accurate record-keeping.
• **Calendar Management:** Playing a role in managing the ER calendar, specifically concerning engagement forums and consultative meetings. This involves understanding the rhythm and importance of these scheduled interactions.
• **Logistical Coordination:** Providing secretariat and logistical support for engagement forums, ensuring that meetings are well-organised, participants are informed, and outcomes are properly documented.
• **Stakeholder Communication:** Facilitating communication with trade unions and internal stakeholders, acting as a conduit for information exchange and fostering good working relationships.
• **Case Management Support:** Assisting legal advisors with case management related to employment disputes, contributing to the process of resolution and compliance.
• **Training Assistance:** Supporting the delivery of training programmes, particularly those related to matters handled by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
• **General Team Support:** Providing ad hoc assistance to the broader ER team as and when required, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute across various tasks.

What They're Looking For

Old Mutual is seeking a driven, ambitious, and determined individual who is eager to make their mark. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a proactive approach to their work. To be considered for this Graduate Intern position, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• **Academic Background:** Hold a completed Degree in either Human Resources Management (BHRM) or Law (LLB).
• **Citizenship:** Be a South African citizen.

In terms of competencies, the successful candidate will possess or demonstrate the potential to develop skills in:

• **Collaboration:** The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• **Effective Communication:** Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• **Customer Focus:** An understanding of the importance of providing good service, both internally and externally.
• **Accountability:** Taking ownership of tasks and responsibilities.
• **Complexity Management:** The capacity to handle various and sometimes intricate issues.
• **Work Process Optimisation:** An inclination towards finding efficient ways of working.
• **Organisational Savvy:** An understanding of how organisations function.
• **Planning and Alignment:** The ability to plan work and ensure it aligns with broader objectives.

This internship offers a valuable entry point into the field of employment relations within South Africa's dynamic financial services sector. Roles like this, particularly within large corporations like Old Mutual, provide foundational experience that can lead to specialisation in areas such as labour law, human resources management, or industrial relations. While specific remuneration is not detailed, graduate intern stipends in South Africa can vary, but this opportunity with a well-established financial institution is likely to offer a competitive entry-level package. The company's commitment to talent development suggests a potential for growth and learning within the organisation for those who excel.

Requirements: Skills, Qualifications, Experience required

• You are a driven and ambitious top achiever with strong determination to succeed. You are a motivated individual and a self-starter.

You must meet the following criteria:

• A recent graduate with a completed Degree in Human Resources or Law

• Must be a South African citizen

 

Skills

Competencies

Collaborates

Communicates Effectively

Customer Focus

Ensures Accountability

Manages Complexity

Optimizes Work Processes

Organizational Savvy

Plans and Aligns

Education

Bachelor of Human Resources Management (BHRM) (Required), Bachelor Of Laws (LLB) (Required)

Closing Date

16 July 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

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