Health, Safety and Environment Group Manager

Introduction

MUST HAVE FOOD INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

The Group Manager:
Health, Safety and Environment is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing group-wide HSE strategies across multiple business units. The role ensures full regulatory compliance, promotes a strong safety-first culture, and drives continuous improvement in environmental sustainability and workplace safety.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Develop and implement group-wide HSE policies, standards, and procedures; align HSE strategy with corporate objectives and sustainability goals; lead HSE risk management initiatives across all sites.
• Compliance and Governance:
  Ensure full compliance with all applicable HSE regulations; oversee ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 audits, inspections, and certifications; report HSE performance metrics to executive leadership.
• Operational Oversight:
  Monitor and manage incident reporting, investigations, and corrective actions; drive continuous improvement in safety performance and environmental impact; coordinate emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Culture, Training and Capability Building:
  Promote a proactive, safety-first culture at all organisational levels; develop and deliver HSE training programmes for employees, contractors, and management; mentor and coach HSE teams to build capability and accountability.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Liaise with regulatory authorities, industry bodies, and community stakeholders; collaborate closely with HR, Operations, Engineering, and other internal functions.
• Leadership Expectations:
  Ownership-driven, action-oriented leadership style; calm, decisive, and effective during incidents and emergencies; uncompromising standards on safety, ethics, and compliance; collaborative, assertive, and respected across all levels of the organisation.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Science (or closely related field).
• 8–10+ years’ progressive HSE leadership experience, ideally within a multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an HSE management role.
• Food manufacturing / food and beverage industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of South African, national, and international HSE legislation and standards.
• Proven experience managing audits, compliance programmes, and risk assessments.
• Hands-on implementation and management of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 systems.
• ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 implementation and/or Auditor certification.
• SAMTRAC certification or equivalent.
• Sound working knowledge of the OSH Act and SHE legislation.
• Own transport and willingness to travel and work extended hours when required.
• Zero tolerance for shortcuts, non-compliance, or under reporting.
• Demonstrated safety-first mindset, including willingness to halt operations if risks are identified.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in safety, sustainability, and leadership.

R55 000 – R65 000 per month (CTC)