SSHE Lead – Go to Market (General & Security), South Africa at Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. 
• To lead and coordinate the integration of Security, Safety, Health, and Environmental (SSHE) practices across the Go to Market (GTM) segment of the Ice Cream business in South Africa.
• This includes oversight of manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, refrigerated transport, and office environments.
• The role ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while proactively managing physical and operational risks, with a strong emphasis on security and business continuity.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

• Act as the primary SSHE representative across GTM operations in South Africa.
• Drive the SSHE agenda aligned with the company’s Zero Harm and environmental goals.
• Develop and enforce SSHE and security policies in line with South African legislation and global standards (e.g., ISO 45001, ISO 31000).
• Lead business continuity planning and maintain risk registers.
• Provide security expertise across manufacturing, logistics, transport, and office environments.
• Manage relationships with private security providers and law enforcement.
• Monitor regional security risks (e.g., crime, civil unrest, load-shedding) and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support office security planning, including new site selection and setup.
• Conduct risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
• Ensure compliance with SSHE regulations and internal standards.
• Deliver SSHE training and awareness programs.
• Analyze SSHE data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Implement and monitor transport safety initiatives.
• Ensure safety of refrigeration systems and warehouse operations.
• Conduct safety assessments for events and office environments.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Security, Risk Management, or related field. Military/police academy or international security certifications (e.g., ASIS PSP/CPP) are advantageous.
• Experience: 7–10 years in SSHE roles, with demonstrable experience in at least two SSHE functions including security.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of South African SSHE legislation and risk landscape.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in SSHE systems, reporting, and data analysis.

Leadership

• You are energized by delivering fantastic results.
• You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience.
• You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way.
• As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work.
• You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need.
• You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

• FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS
• CARE DEEPLY
• STAY THREE STEPS AHEAD
• DELIVER WITH EXCELLENCE