Global Director of Health & Safety

Westfalia Fruit; München; Hybrid; EUR 120.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading global fresh produce supplier is looking for a Global Director of Health & Safety. This role involves shaping and embedding health and safety policies while ensuring compliance across various regions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in health and safety leadership roles within global environments and a track record of driving cultural transformation towards proactive safety practices. Competitive compensation and benefits will be offered.

Leistungen

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to work for a global leader in fresh produce

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

Qualifikationen

• Progressive experience in health & safety leadership within global environments.
• Recognised professional certification in Safety Management.
• Strong background in regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Aufgaben

• Shape and execute a world-class health & safety framework.
• Champion a proactive safety mindset integrated into the culture.
• Oversee global risk management and compliance.

Kenntnisse

Occupational Health & Safety expertise

Risk assessment and mitigation

Cross-cultural communication

Data analytics

Leadership and coaching

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PowerBI

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

Come and join the leading #avoexperts

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

We’re looking for a Global Director of H&S to join our team Globally.

The Global Director of Health & Safety (H&S) will be accountable for defining and embedding Westfalia’s global health & safety policy. Leading the implementation of the policy through the health and safety strategy and cultural development across all regions, including South America, North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia (future expansion). Reporting directly to the Chief R&D and Sustainability Officer, this role will provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of occupational health and safety management. This role will ensure that Westfalia Businesses comply with International and Local regulations, promoting a proactive safety culture and mitigate risks across the supply chain, from field to fork.

The position requires a senior leader capable of shaping global H&S strategy in alignment with ISO 45001, International and Local regulatory standards, and Westfalia’s industry leading ambitions, advising the business on emerging risks and any upcoming regulatory changes. The incumbent will unify and harmonise practices across diverse markets, fostering a proactive, behaviour-driven safety culture that prioritises people, prevents incidents, and enhances operational performance. Acting as both a strategic advisor to the Executive Team and a hands-on leader across sites, the Global Director of H&S will lead a network of regional H&S leaders and site managers, building accountability and capability across a complex, matrix organisation. Leading the transition from compliance-led to operations-led safety culture, aligned to “safety starts with me”.

The expectation is this role oversees global risks assessments, high level audits and leads incident investigations.

Travel Requirements

• This role will require international travel due to the nature of its global responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global H&S Strategy: Shape and execute a world-class health & safety framework aligned with ISO 45001, global regulations, and Westfalia Fruit's business vision.
• Standardise & Elevate Practices: Harmonize policies and procedures across international markets, setting clear KPIs to drive accountability and performance.
• Inspire a Global Safety Culture: Champion a shift from compliance to a proactive, values-driven safety mindset embedded at every level of the organisation.
• Empower Safety Leadership: Coach and develop a high-performing global H&S network, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Drive Engagement & Behavioural Change: Lead impactful campaigns and initiatives that make safety personal, visible, and a core part of the employee experience.
• Master Risk & Compliance: Oversee risk management across diverse operations, ensuring rigorous compliance and effective hazard mitigation worldwide.
• Lead with Data & Insight: Deliver executive-level reporting, leveraging data analytics and digital tools to uncover insights, trends, and opportunities for innovation.
• Ensure World-Class Standards: Implement robust audit systems, ISO 45001 certifications, and global incident learning processes to uphold excellence in safety.
• Be a Trusted Strategic Partner: Advise the C-suite, influence decision-making, and integrate H&S into broader sustainability, operations, and supply chain strategies.
• Represent & Advocate Externally: Engage with regulators, industry bodies, and global partners to position Westfalia as a leader in health & safety.

Requirements

Experience we look for :

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Recognised professional certification (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Chartered Member of IOSH, or equivalent).
• Progressive experience in health & safety leadership roles within global manufacturing, farming / agriculture, food production, industrial or infrastructure environments.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing global or multi-regional H&S strategies, policies, and systems.
• Proven track record in driving cultural transformation from compliance to proactive, behaviour-led safety cultures.
• Experience managing and coaching diverse, international teams in a matrix organisation.
• Strong background in regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, with ability to interpret and align standards globally.
• Expertise in occupational health & safety management systems, including ISO 45001 implementation.
• Advanced knowledge of risk assessment, hazard identification, incident investigation, and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in data analytics and H&S performance metrics for executive-level reporting.
• Strong understanding of sustainability and ESG principles as they relate to health & safety.
• High competency in Microsoft Office Suite, PowerBI and H&S reporting systems.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect global priorities with local execution.
• Influential leader, able to inspire change and build credibility with executives, site managers, and frontline teams.
• Excellent intercultural awareness and communication skills; able to work across diverse geographies and cultures, managing communications both up and down the organisation
• Hands-on and visible leadership style, with a willingness to travel extensively and spend time at sites.
• Strong resilience, pragmatism, and adaptability in high-growth, fast-changing environments.
• Passionate advocate for people’s safety, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification desirable.

Benefits

What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?

• We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that will vary by location. Full details will be shared as part of the interview process.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Be part of a global organisation recognised as a leader in fresh produce.
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Contribute to an industry leader at the forefront of fresh produce innovation.

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.