SHERQ & Sustainability Manager at Vector Logistics

JOB PURPOSE

• To lead and manage SHERQ and sustainability operations, ensuring legal compliance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. The role is responsible for standardising systems and procedures, maintaining certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000), driving ESG strategy and supporting operational excellence through audits, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making. It also plays a key role in coaching teams, managing change, and aligning SHERQ and ESG practices with strategic business objectives. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Compliance & Risk Management: Lead statutory inspections and ensure alignment with OHS, Environmental, R638, Marsh, AON, and other regulatory standards. Ensure legal registers are maintained and current across all sites. Review and improve fire safety and emergency preparedness procedures. Support sites in preparing for external risk audits (e.g., Marsh) and drive audit readiness programmes. Provide input on legal compliance and internal controls to mitigate operational and SHERQ risks.
• Audit & Certification: Plan and oversee ISO, legal, and risk audits nationally (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000). Monitor SHERQ audit performance and integrate audits for efficiency. Support sites in retaining existing certifications and attaining new ones. Conduct site audits to identify non-conformances and ensure effective closure.
• Standardisation & Continuous Improvement: Drive standardisation of SHERQ and ESG systems, procedures, and documentation across all regions.Lead Centre of Excellence initiatives to embed consistent practices and toolkits. Monitor SHERQ operational trends and implement forward-thinking improvements. Drive SHERQ and ESG projects (e.g., site mergers, upgrades, software implementation).
• ESG strategy and Reporting: Support the execution of Vector’s ESG strategy, including project tracking and reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Support: Engage with customers, principals, and service providers to resolve complaints, recalls, and investigations. Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Risk, PBCS, VTM, and SHERQ teams to meet strategic goals. Advise and support teams on new and existing SHERQ legislation and standards. Attend meetings and represent SHERQ in customer and principal engagements.
• Training & Capability Building: Coach and mentor SHERQ teams in delivering ESG and SHERQ support. Facilitate training on statutory compliance, safety, food safety, and environmental standards. Promote a culture of safety, sustainability, and accountability across the network.
• Systems & Documentation:  Ensure documentation systems are current, practical, and user-friendly. Maintain internal and external audit schedules. Ensure timely and complete submission of all required reports.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal: High degree of interaction for the purpose of strategy, compliance, training and collaboration.
• External: Moderate to high degree of interaction for the purpose of issue resolution, audits relationship management
• Auditors & Regulators: High degree of interaction for the purpose of compliance, certification and inspections.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or BTech degree in Safety, Quality, Science, Eng or Environmental Management.
• Experience: > 5 years in supply chain, distribution, plant or FMCG environments, with at least 3 years in a SHERQ management role. Proven experience managing multiple large-scale sites or regions, leading audits, compliance programmes, and working knowledge sustainability reporting.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge: Strong understanding of ISO standards (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000) and SHERQ frameworks. Familiarity with statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g., R638, ZA) related to health, safety, environment, and food safety. Working knowledge of ESG and sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GHG Protocol, Scope 1–3, carbon, waste, energy, and water metrics). In-depth knowledge of supply chain operations, warehousing, and customer requirements. Lead auditor experience across ISO, food safety, environmental, health & safety, and ESG domains.
• Valid Code 8 drivers' licence