Ehs Specialist

Overview

• We are looking for an experienced EHS Specialist to join our bakery manufacturing environment and play a key role in ensuring a safe, healthy and environmentally responsible workplace.
• The role will be responsible for driving EHS standards across the bakery, supporting compliance with applicable legislation and company requirements, identifying and mitigating workplace risks, and building a strong safety culture across the site.
• This is a hands-on operational role that requires strong engagement with employees, line management and contractors, as well as the ability to influence and drive EHS improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Environment, Health & Safety

• Drive the implementation and maintenance of the site's EHS management systems, standards and procedures.
• Conduct regular workplace inspections, risk assessments and compliance audits.
• Identify hazards and implement appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Monitor compliance with applicable EHS legislation, regulations and company standards.
• Support incident, accident and near-miss investigations and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Track and report EHS performance, trends, incidents and key metrics.
• Develop and facilitate EHS awareness, induction and training programmes.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and visible safety leadership across the bakery.
• Provide EHS advice and guidance to operational teams and employees.
• Support emergency preparedness, including drills, emergency response plans and related training.
• Monitor contractor and visitor compliance with site EHS requirements.
• Ensure appropriate EHS documentation, records and reporting are maintained.

Manufacturing & Bakery Safety

• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality and other functions to identify and manage operational risks.
• Drive safety improvements relating to machinery, production processes, ergonomics, manual handling, chemical handling, working at heights and other manufacturing risks.
• Support the implementation of machine safety and safeguarding requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce workplace injuries, unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
• Participate in relevant operational meetings and provide EHS input into business decisions and projects.
• Support the introduction of new equipment, processes and changes from an EHS perspective.

Environmental Management

• Support the implementation of environmental programmes and initiatives at site level.
• Monitor environmental compliance and assist with the management of waste, water, energy and other environmental aspects.
• Support environmental inspections, audits and reporting requirements.
• Drive initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability performance.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop 1 direct report, ensuring clear objectives, accountability and performance expectations.
• Build EHS capability across employees and operational teams through coaching and engagement.
• Partner with line managers to embed accountability for EHS within their respective areas.

Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree / National Diploma in Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Management, Safety Management or a related field.
• Relevant EHS/OHS professional registration or certification, where applicable.
• 3 - 5 years' experience in an EHS role, preferably within a manufacturing, FMCG, food production or bakery environment.
• Practical experience in risk assessments, incident investigations, audits and EHS compliance.
• Working knowledge of South African OHS and environmental legislation.
• Experience working with operational teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in facilitating EHS training and awareness programmes.
• Previous experience supervising or leading a small team would be advantageous.