Job Description

SHERQ and Sustainability Integration Executive

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Management, or a related field. A Masters degree or relevant certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, ISO Lead Auditor) is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in SHERQ management, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental management.
• Experience in leading sustainability initiatives and obtaining relevant certifications is highly desirable.
• Valid Code EB driver's licence.

Responsibilities:

Strategy Execution

• Co-create the national Vector SHERQ & sustainability strategy with the HR & SHERQ Director, focusing on a 1 to 5-year view of requirements.
• Collaborate with regional cross-functional management teams to ensure quality and safety benefits and strategic target achievement.
• Drive improvements in SHERQ processes and systems to maintain the highest safety, health, and quality standards.
• Monitor and adapt SHERQ and Sustainability strategy based on market trends and requirements.

Strategic Insight and Technical Expertise

• Provide technical, legal, and advisory support to internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• Participate in food safety and food law committees with external parties (e.g., SABS, Trade Metrology, CGCSA: FSI).
• Lead initiatives to achieve and maintain relevant sustainability and SHERQ certifications (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 22 000).
• Serve as the management representative for ISO 22 000.
• Manage and facilitate national management reviews at the executive level.
• Provide key risk information and technical input to the Board.
• Define and maintain company policies on quality assurance, food safety, occupational health, and risk management.
• Promote quality assurance visibility and alignment through effective communication across divisions.
• Offer technical expertise for training material and policy manual development.
• Lead sustainability efforts for the business.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and technology through networking and development opportunities.

Total Integrated Systems Management (TIMS)

• Manage TIMS across Group to ensure certification, continuous improvement, sustainability, and risk management.
• Deliver services to various functional areas within the business and to external customers.
• Improve food, environmental, and occupational safety and customer satisfaction through quality and safety systems.
• Manage audits to verify conformance to TQMS, legal requirements, and safety standards.
• Analyze warehousing, transportation, and quality assurance statistics for improvement opportunities.
• Support and drive ongoing quality improvement through TIMS.
• Resolve non-conformances with suppliers/principals.

Supplier Quality Assurance

• Manage Company Supplier Quality Assurance Programme.
• Develop food safety and quality strategies for suppliers based on international standards and trends.
• Manage supplier risk assessments and re-evaluate them every 12 months.
• Screen, approve, and audit suppliers based on food safety and quality risks.
• Track and manage the resolution of supplier audit findings.
• Train suppliers on legal, food safety, and quality requirements.
• Approve supplier specifications and concessions for incoming goods.
• Report supplier risks during management reviews.
• Provide technical support to suppliers to minimize quality, safety, and process-related risks.
• Represent Vector in SHEQ matters during customer interactions and manage joint SHEQ initiatives.

Project Management

• Participate in project meetings to provide support and report on legal, food safety, and quality issues.
• Identify and manage risks associated with projects.
• Set critical paths for projects concerning food safety and quality risk for warehousing and transportation teams.
• Advise on legal requirements for projects.
• Identify opportunities to influence regulation and manage projects from opportunity to release of regulation.
• Participate in ad hoc Group projects.

Sustainability Management

• Develop and implement sustainability strategies aligned with organizational goals (e.g., energy conservation, waste management).
• Monitor and report on sustainability metrics (e.g., carbon emissions, energy usage).
• Achieve and maintain sustainability certifications (e.g., ISO 14001).
• Promote and implement energy efficiency initiatives.
• Enhance waste management practices and ensure proper disposal and recycling.
• Engage stakeholders and foster partnerships to advance sustainability initiatives.
• Integrate sustainability into business operations, procurement, and product development.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments for projects, processes, and products.
• Educate and train employees on sustainability practices.
• Stay informed on regulatory changes, sustainability trends, and industry best practices.

Staff and Team Management

• Identify personnel requirements and participate in the selection process.
• Lead and develop staff in compliance with the Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and Skills Development Act.
• Monitor staff performance and provide regular feedback.
• Manage staff activities to ensure service levels and protocols are met.
• Coach and support staff to achieve objectives.
• Manage staff leave and time management issues in line with organizational standards.
• Develop and implement career development and succession plans.
• Champion staff training and development.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals.
• Establish effective staff organizing and communication structures.
• Lead the team towards achieving strategy and targets through regular communication and talent management tools.
• Address poor performance in accordance with company policy and legislation.
• Conduct regular meetings and ensure that records and action plans are maintained and shared across the team.