Head: Occupational Health, Safety

Head: Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (AD05) Job Title: Head: Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (AD05) Location: Johannesburg, ZA Organization: Occupational Health Safety & Environment Management Department (OHS&E) The main purpose of this position: Lead and manage the University's Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental (OHS&E) Department and its resources. The Head will ensure the development, implementation, and management of OHS&E policies, systems, structures, and strategies to foster a culture of safety, health, and environmental sustainability across the University. This includes ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, reducing the potential for accidents and incidents, mitigating OHS&E risks, and embedding international best practices in OHS&E into all University operations, thereby ensuring the well‑being of the entire University community, including employees, students, contractors, sub‑contractors, service providers, suppliers, and visitors. Key Responsibilities and Activities Include: Create comprehensive safety policies and procedures tailored to the University's needs. Ensure these documents are accessible and regularly updated. Monitor and ensure adherence to relevant legislation, including the OHS Act, NEMA, COID Act, NBR Act, and Fire Services Act. Perform regular internal audits and inspections to identify non‑compliance issues and areas for improvement. Develop and deliver targeted training programs to educate staff, students, and contractors on safety protocols and their responsibilities. Lead on the implementation of the University’s sustainability strategy and plans in areas related to the University’s own carbon footprint. Create and implement systems to ensure compliance with NEMA and other environmental regulations. Promote recycling programs, waste reduction strategies, energy‑efficient practices, and sustainable transportation options. Conduct regular assessments of air and water quality, waste management practices, and energy consumption. Streamline reporting processes for workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to the Department of Employment and Labour. Proactively manage the process of retrieving funds due to the University under the COID Act. Build strong relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry experts to ensure effective OHS&E systems. Ensure the appointment of Section 16.1 appointees who are responsible for the overall management and control of the University's OHS&E compliance, delegating specific duties to Section 16.2 appointees while maintaining accountability. Perform regular performance management reviews for all staff. Develop and manage the OHS&E departmental budget to ensure cost‑effective service delivery. Required Academic Qualifications, Competences and Experience: A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the OHS&E field and postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 would be preferred. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in an OHS&E Management Environment, 3 – 5 years of which must have been at a tactical and managerial level. SAMTRAC and/or NEBOSH Certification. Registration with a recognised OHS&E Professional Body. Valid Driver’s License. Certificates on ISO Management Systems: specifically, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, or NOSA 5 Star Navigator certification. Knowledge of environmental management systems and sustainability practices and reporting systems. Requirements: Submit a detailed CV with names, email addresses and contact details of 3 referees, certified copies of degrees and diplomas, and covering letter. External applicants are invited to apply by registering your profile on the Wits i‑recruitment platform located at and submitting your application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits / Self Service application / "Apply for a job". Employment Information: Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: Higher Education EEO Statement: The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from under‑represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates; the University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re‑advertise. Closing date: 05 November 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr