Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist

Job title: Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist

Location: Pretoria

Job purpose

Responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting a healthy and safe environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors at the bakery. This role ensures that effective systems and procedures are in place to meet all regulatory, public, and global company requirements across relevant areas. Additionally, the role is accountable for ensuring that the EHS function complies with all statutory requirements to safeguard company facilities, people, and products

Duties and responsibilities
• Lead and manage the on-site EHS team to ensure full compliance with legal requirements, company policies, and global standards.
• Drive the implementation of Global Safety and Sustainability initiatives across the facility.
• Develop, implement, and continuously review EHS policies and procedures to ensure comprehensive environmental, health, and safety management, safeguarding all personnel and company assets.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of plant safety and environmental systems, including environmental performance, to senior management.
• Manage employer liability claims, working closely with insurers to review, defend, and resolve claims appropriately.
• Prepare the site for internal and external audits, develop corrective action plans, and ensure effective and timely implementation.
• Conduct regular internal audits to maintain compliance and readiness for external and global assessments.
• Provide expert EHS guidance to manufacturing and engineering teams, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practices.
• Lead investigations into environmental incidents, accidents, and safety risks, identifying root causes and implementing preventative measures to drive continuous improvement.
• Proactively identify and implement best practices in safety systems to enhance operational efficiency and achieve cost improvements without compromising safety or environmental standards.
• Assess EHS training needs and collaborate with HR to implement relevant training and development initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement of EHS management systems in alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and strengthen the skills and competencies of EHS team members to support business growth and performance.
• Implement resource optimisation and cost-reduction initiatives within the EHS function.
• Collaborate with Occupational Medical Practitioners to implement and maintain effective medical surveillance programmes, including corrective actions where required.
• Lead and champion the implementation and maintenance of ISO 14001 and ISO 55001 standards.
• Ensure regular monitoring, calibration, and effective use of alcohol breathalyser systems at site entry points.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate health and safety risks through practical and cost-effective strategies.
• Support the Plant Manager by undertaking additional responsibilities as required.

Skills Required
• Ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to read, interpret, and process written information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong listening skills with a practical, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Ability to lead and influence employees to improve EHS awareness and compliance.
• Confident and assertive in addressing non-compliance with EHS policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates emotional resilience and professionalism in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Able to manage challenges constructively and respond positively to feedback.

Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge
• NQF Level 6 qualification in a technical field, with formal EHS training, or a National Diploma in Health & Safety Management (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in the food production industry, with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Sound knowledge of GMP, HACCP, Food Safety standards, SOPs, pest control, and bakery operations.
• Proficient in SAP and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of EHS legislation and compliance requirements within the South African regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of risks related to personnel safety and food security, with the ability to manage and mitigate these effectively.
• Proven ability to identify, assess, and eliminate health and safety risks using practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental and occupational health and safety requirements, ensuring full legal compliance

Physical requirements / Working conditions
• Ability to work in a plant environment with fast moving machinery for extended periods of time
• Able to work in elevated temperature/high humidity, high flour dust environment
• Work rotating shifts as well as weekends and public holidays in a fresh bakery environment
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time
• Required bakery PPE to be worn whilst on duty and in required areas

To Apply, send your CV and latest payslip to *****@*****.co.za