Health, Safety and Environment Group Manager

Belmar Personnel • Full-time • Pretoria • 2d ago

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

Duties & Responsibilities

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

Desired Experience & Qualification

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 underreporting
Demonstrated safety-first mindset, including willingness to halt operations if risks are identified
Commitment to ongoing professional development in safety, sustainability, and leadership