Group HSSE Manager

Umhlanga Support Office

Purpose of the Role:

The Group HSSE Manager serves as the strategic leader and custodian of the IFS Group’s Health & Safety, Food Safety, Security and Environmental Management Systems. This role is accountable for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of integrated HSSE frameworks across all operational regions. The incumbent ensures compliance with international standards (ISO 45001, 14001, 22000, 9001), legal requirements, and client expectations, while fostering a culture of proactive risk management and operational excellence.

As part of IFS’s ISO 22000 implementation, the Group HSSE Manager also serves as the Group Food Safety Team Lead, responsible for coordinating food safety governance across all levels of the organisation. This includes oversight of regional and operational food safety teams, which are embedded within the broader HSSE Committee structure.

The role requires frequent travel into Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

  • HSSE System Leadership with embedded Quality Assurance

    • Own and maintain the integrated HSSE Management System across the IFS Group.

    • Ensure alignment with ISO standards and legal frameworks in all countries of operation.

    • Lead the development and deployment of HSSE policy, Management System Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, programs, initiatives and strategic campaigns.

    • Food Safety Governance

    • Serve as the Group Food Safety Team Lead in accordance with ISO 22000 requirements.

    • Oversee the formation and functioning of Regional and Operational Food Safety Teams.

    • Integrate food safety governance into HSSE Committee structures at all levels.

    • Ensure effective communication, documentation, and review of food safety objectives and performance.

  • Certification & Compliance

    • Manage certification schedules and ensure audit preparedness for ISO 45001, 14001, 22000, and 9001.

    • Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring corrective actions and continuous improvement.

    • Provide assurance on food safety, health & hygiene, environmental, and security programs.

  • Operational Oversight & Risk Management

    • Drive groupwide risk management initiatives and trend analysis.

    • Develop and maintain HSSE dashboards and analytics for executive reporting.

    • Ensure incident escalation protocols and root cause analysis are effectively implemented.

  • Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

    • Line manage Regional HSSE Managers, supporting their development and performance.

    • Represent HSSE at executive, regulatory, and client forums.

    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed HSSE principles into operational planning.

  • Training & Capability Development

    • Lead HSSE training strategy and competency development across the group.

    • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, ownership and continuous learning.

Required Knowledge and Qualifications:

  • Minimum 10 years of senior HSSE leadership experience.

  • Experience in managing multiple business units/ sites/ operations. 

  • Proven track record in multinational or complex operational environments.

  • Diploma/ Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Quality Management, or related field.

  • Internal Audit certification. Either for ISO9001, ISO45001, ISO22000 or ISO14001. Specifically Internal Auditor or higher, i.e. Lead Auditor. 

  • Certificate in Incident Management and Investigation. 

  • A certificate in HSE Management. E.g. SAMTRAC, NEBOSH, etc. 

  • Certificate in Risk Management, HIRA (Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment) or similar. 

  • Certification in Management Systems Implementation or similar. i.e. ISO9001, ISO45001, ISO14001.

  • Certification in Food Safety Management Systems. I.e. ISO22000 or FSSC22000. 

  • Certification in HACCP. 

  • Certificate in Quality Assurance or Quality Management as a whole.

  • Experience managing ISO certifications and leading cross-regional teams.

  • Experience in Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, and Facilities Management sectors would be preferred.

Other Requirements:

  • Medically fit to travel via air and land across Africa and internationally.

  • Willing to travel regularly across borders every month when required.  

  • Proficiency in HSSE management systems and reporting tools.

  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

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