SHE Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced SHE Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across the Safety, Health and Environment function within a manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable health, safety, environmental and occupational health legislation, company standards, GMP requirements and industry best practices.

This role will drive the development and continuous improvement of the SHE Management System, promote a proactive safety culture, reduce workplace and environmental risks, ensure audit readiness and integrate SHE requirements into day-to-day business operations.

Key Responsibilities

SHE Strategy & Governance

• Develop and implement the site SHE strategy.
• Establish SHE objectives, targets and performance measures.
• Monitor and report on SHE performance.
• Lead SHE committees and management reviews.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve the SHE Management System.
• Promote a proactive culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

Regulatory Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, COIDA, GMP requirements and company standards.
• Manage regulatory inspections and audits.
• Maintain audit readiness and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensure applicable permits, licences and statutory requirements remain current.

Risk Management & Incident Prevention

• Lead workplace risk assessments and hazard identification processes.
• Identify and manage occupational health, safety and environmental risks.
• Drive behavioural safety programmes and preventative initiatives.
• Develop and implement appropriate risk-control measures.
• Monitor SHE risks and ensure appropriate corrective and preventative actions are implemented.

Incident Investigation & Corrective Actions

• Investigate workplace incidents, near misses and environmental events.
• Conduct root cause analyses.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Monitor corrective actions to ensure effective close-out and prevention of recurrence.

Occupational Health & Employee Wellness

• Manage occupational health and medical surveillance programmes.
• Oversee employee wellness initiatives.
• Manage COIDA and Injury on Duty (IOD) administration.
• Coordinate return-to-work programmes.
• Ensure occupational health requirements are effectively integrated into workplace operations.

Environmental Management & Sustainability

• Manage environmental compliance and performance.
• Monitor waste management and environmental impacts.
• Oversee emissions, water and energy initiatives.
• Ensure environmental permits and licences remain compliant and up to date.
• Drive initiatives supporting sustainable business operations.

Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity

• Develop and manage emergency response plans.
• Coordinate evacuation drills and emergency preparedness activities.
• Manage crisis response plans.
• Oversee fire prevention programmes.
• Support business continuity requirements from a SHE perspective.

SHE Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver SHE training and awareness programmes.
• Ensure employees understand relevant SHE responsibilities and procedures.
• Ensure legal appointments and competency requirements remain current.
• Promote continuous SHE awareness throughout the operation.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach and develop the SHE team.
• Establish clear objectives and performance standards.
• Develop appropriate development plans for team members.
• Drive high levels of performance and service delivery.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, Risk Management or a related field.
• Registration with Saiosh (South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) or an equivalent professional body.
• Minimum 8–10 years' SHE experience within a manufacturing, FMCG or pharmaceutical environment.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a SHE management role.
• Proven experience managing ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems.
• Experience with occupational health programmes and environmental compliance.
• Experience managing regulatory inspections and audits.
• Strong understanding of GMP and pharmaceutical compliance requirements.
• Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Experience with contractor and chemical safety management.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Key Knowledge & Competencies

• Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
• Environmental Management legislation.
• COIDA and IOD administration.
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• Risk assessment methodologies.
• Incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Chemical safety management.
• Contractor safety management.
• Emergency preparedness and business continuity.
• GMP and pharmaceutical compliance.
• Audit and inspection management.
• Occupational health and employee wellness.
• Performance reporting and SHE analytics.
• Budget management.
• Leadership and people management.
• Regulatory compliance and governance.
• Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced SHE leader with a strong background in manufacturing, FMCG or pharmaceutical operations. You should be comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on operational levels, engaging with employees and management while ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective risk management.

You will be expected to drive a proactive SHE culture, lead continuous improvement initiatives and ensure that safety, occupational health and environmental requirements are embedded throughout the operation.

Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with applicable Employment Equity requirements.

Should you not be contacted within two weeks, please take your application as unsuccessful.