Industrial Relations Specialist – Nchalo Estate

Org unit: People & Performance
Reports to: Site People & Performance Head
Job grade: Middle Manager
Positions: 1 (advertised as IR Specialist)

About Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country’s leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars, employing more than 9,000 employees. It is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).

Duties and responsibilities
• Strengthen industrial and employee relations discipline at site level by ensuring disciplinary, grievance, dispute and dismissal processes are handled fairly, consistently and in accordance with legally compliant employment practices.
• Act as the site subject matter expert on disciplinary, grievance, dispute and dismissal processes, supporting managers and People & Performance teams in the effective application of company policies, procedures and labour legislation.
• Monitor labour relations trends, legislative developments and employment risks, providing guidance and recommendations to strengthen employee relations practices and minimise labour risk.
• Serve as the IR official for complex cases, including high-risk disciplinary matters, dismissals, union issues, disputes and employment litigation support.
• Serve as the key site contact point for unions and structured employee communication on business matters affecting employees.
• Protect the business from avoidable labour risk by ensuring every material IR process is evidence-based, procedurally sound, legally compliant and properly documented.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

Qualifications and experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Labour Law, Law, Industrial Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in industrial relations, employee relations, labour law, union engagement, disciplinary management or dispute resolution.
• Strong practical experience working with the Industrial Relations Court, labour disputes, dismissals, arbitration or employment litigation processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and facilitating constructive dialogue across all levels of the organisation.

How to apply
Please send your application letter together with a detailed CV, copies of relevant certificates, traceable referees and National ID to:
The HR Mill Head,
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Plc,
Private Bag 50,
Blantyre.
Or by email: [email protected]

The closing date for receiving application letters is 7 November 2026, and only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Illovo is an equal opportunity employer, and women are encouraged to apply.

SUGAR IS OUR BUSINESS BUT PEOPLE ARE OUR SWEETEST ASSETS.