Group Health, Safety and Environmental Operations Officer

Schauenburg Systems is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage EE candidates and individuals with disabilities to submit their applications

MAIN PURPOSE

The Group Health, Safety and Environmental Operations Officer is responsible for guiding, supporting, and aligning Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices across all operational areas and group companies. This role ensures standardized implementation of HSE management systems, compliance with national legislation and international standards (ISO 45001, ISO 14001, MHSA, OHS Act), and drives operational excellence through technical expertise, mentorship, and continuous improvement. The Officer acts as a subject matter expert and resource for area SHE appointees, fostering a unified safety culture and supporting sustainable environmental management throughout the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational HSE Guidance & Support

• Act as the primary technical resource for area HSE appointees, providing day-to-day guidance on HSE matters, legal compliance, and best practices.
• Support area HSE appointees in interpreting and applying group HSE policies, procedures, and standards.
• Advise on the implementation of corrective and preventive actions following incidents, audits, or inspections.
• Ensure all HSE representatives are elected and officially appointed as required by legislation.
• Ensure all Health and Safety structures, processes, and appointments required by the Act are in place and function.

Audits, Inspections & Compliance Monitoring

• Plan, conduct, and document regular internal HSE audits and inspections at operational sites, ensuring thorough coverage of all risk areas.
• Prepare sites and teams for external audits and certification processes (ISO 45001, ISO
• Provide an annual audit plan for all facilities and conduct audits at least once per year.
• Coordinate testing and evaluations of the workplace by external consultants as necessary.
• Ensure all health & safety representatives conduct monthly inspections of their work areas.
• Inspect high-risk activities (e.g., lifting machinery, lifting tackle, portable electrical tools) and immediately report serious deviations to management.
• Monitor compliance with MHSA, OHS Act, NEMA, POPIA, and other relevant legislation, reporting non-conformances and supporting remediation.
• Maintain audit schedules, checklists, and records, ensuring timely follow-up on findings and recommendations.

Incident Management & First Aid

• Report any incident or accident to the direct manager.
• Lead or support investigations into HSE incidents, near misses, and non-conformances, ensuring root cause analysis and effective corrective actions.
• Perform high-level first aid treatment and evaluate injured persons for possible medical referrals.
• Review and validate risk assessments, method statements, and safe work procedures developed by area SHE appointees.
• Identify high-risk activities, trends, and emerging hazards, recommending practical risk mitigation strategies.

Hazardous Waste & Contractor Compliance

• Coordinate registration of hazardous waste.
• Ensure no sub-contractor is permitted to work on site without a compliant safety file.
• Ensure all legal appointments required by legislation are completed and responsibilities communicated to appointees.
• Ensure all safety signs and notices are prominently displayed at all sites.

Training, Awareness & Communication

• Provide regular certified training for all SHE reps and coordinate all SHE training for employees.
• Ensure all employees are inducted before being permitted to work in the factory/site.
• Prepare, train, and update the site emergency evacuation plan.
• Coordinate and deliver HSE training sessions, toolbox talks, and awareness campaigns for area SHE appointees and operational staff.
• Develop and distribute HSE communications, bulletins, and updates to ensure consistent messaging across all sites.
• Mentor area SHE appointees, supporting their professional development and competency growth.

Environmental Management & Sustainability

• Guide area SHE appointees in implementing environmental controls, waste management, and sustainability initiatives aligned with ISO 14001.
• Monitor environmental compliance, including permits, reporting, and incident response.
• Support the development and roll-out of group-wide environmental campaigns and improvement projects.

Documentation, Reporting & Data Analysis

• Maintain records that all planned safety inspections have been completed by SHE reps.
• Provide monthly SHE reports and compile HSE performance data for management.
• Ensure a Safety File complying with current legislation is in place and properly maintained for all sites.
• Compile risk assessments and safety files as required for projects and tenders.
• Produce and maintain a Safety Policy (updated annually), SHE Management Plan, and all procedures/instructions for a safe work environment.
• Organize Health Awareness days and keep necessary records of findings.
• Ensure all registers and checklists are updated weekly and monthly.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying areas for improvement and supporting data-driven decision-making.

Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response

• Support area SHE appointees in developing, testing, and maintaining emergency response plans and procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills, debriefings, and post-incident reviews, ensuring lessons learned are captured and shared.
• Advise on crisis management strategies and ensure operational readiness for HSE emergencies.

Continuous Improvement & Best Practice Sharing

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, innovation, and adoption of best practices in HSE management.
• Facilitate peer reviews, benchmarking exercises, and knowledge sharing among area SHE appointees.
• Support the Department Coordinator in group-wide HSE improvement initiatives and strategic projects.

Regulatory Liaison & External Representation

• Assist with regulatory inspections, legal proceedings, and communications with authorities as required.
• Represent the group in industry forums, working groups, or external audits when delegated.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

• National Diploma or bachelor's degree in occupational health & safety, Environmental Science, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor or Implementer Certification (Occupational Health & Safety Management System).
• ISO 14001 Lead Auditor or Implementer Certification (Environmental Management System).
• NEBOSH International General Certificate or SAMTRAC certification.
• Certification or formal training in OHS Act, MHSA compliance.
• POPIA and Environmental Legal Framework Awareness certification (preferred). Applicable regional environmental and safety regulations

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an HSE role within a manufacturing, mining, industrial, or engineering environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in conducting audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations aligned to ISO and legal frameworks.
• Proven experience in HSE program implementation, training facilitation, and promoting compliance across multiple sites or regions.
• Computer skills (MS Office package)
• Valid driver's license

All applicants who meet the minimum requirements and wish to apply should do so on or before 28 November 2025 at 12:00

Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not hear from us within 3 weeks