SHE Manager at Boardroom Appointments

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.