Duties and responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership, Governance and Financial Management
- Lead and manage the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) function across all UFS campuses and locations.
- Develop, implement and oversee institutional OHS strategies, policies, standards and frameworks.
- Provide strategic advice to Executive Management, Deans, Directors and Management Structures on OHS matters.
- Lead institutional OHS governance structures and committees.
- Prepare executive reports, compliance reports, risk reports and related presentations.
- Manage the OHS Operational budget
- Procurement approval.
Legal Compliance and Assurance
- Ensure institutional compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and all applicable regulations.
- Act as the University's primary liaison with regulatory authorities, including the Department of Employment and Labour.
- Develop and implement compliance monitoring programmes and audit systems.
- Manage institutional compliance inspections and external audits.
Risk, Laboratory and High-Risk Environment Management
- Oversee institutional risk assessments and hazard identification programmes.
- Provide oversight of laboratory safety and manage related projects across all campuses.
- Manage asbestos compliance programmes and related projects.
- Oversee compliance relating to fuel storage, gas installations, reservoirs, water infrastructure and other hazardous installations.
- Oversee and monitor contractor OHS compliance for all construction projects and maintenance activities.
Fire Safety, Emergency and Disaster Management
- Lead institutional fire safety governance and compliance.
- Develop and oversee emergency response and disaster management plans.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness exercises and simulations.
- Ensure institutional readiness for major incidents, disasters and pandemics.
Incident and Injury on Duty Management
- Oversee institutional Injury on Duty (IOD) management processes.
- Ensure effective investigation of incidents and implementation of corrective actions.
- Monitor trends and develop preventative interventions.
Leadership and People Management
- Lead and manage the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.
- Manage performance, development and accountability of personnel.
- Ensure adequate training and competency development of OHS personnel and safety
- representatives.
- Drive a culture of safety and accountability throughout the University.
Inherent Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, Environmental Health, Risk Management or a related field (attach a copy).
- Registration with a recognised professional body in the Occupational Health and Safety field (attach a copy).
- SAMTRAC or an equivalent recognised Occupational Health and Safety qualification (attach a copy).
- A minimum of five (5) years’ management experience.
- A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant Occupational Health and Safety experience.
- Proven experience in managing OHS functions across a complex multi-site organisation.
- Experience in emergency management, fire safety, contractor compliance and incident investigation.
- Experience dealing with regulatory authorities and compliance audits.
- Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and Regulations.
- Valid Code B driver's licence (attach a copy).
Recommendations:
- A relevant Honours degree /Postgraduate Diploma/Professional Bachelor’s degree on NQF Level 8.
- Experience within the higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of:
- Disaster Management legislation and principles.
- Fire Safety Management.
- Contractor Construction Regulations.
- Incident Investigation and Injury on Duty (IOD) Management.
- Laboratory and hazardous environment safety.
- Risk Management principles.
- Environmental and Municipal By-laws.
- Governance and compliance frameworks.
Competencies
Required competencies:
Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties:
01 January 2027
Closing date:29 July 2026
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