Manager: Safety, Health, Environment & Emergency Services (SHE&E)

University of the Western Cape; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape's Risk & Compliance Department seeks an assertive, compliance-focused leader to oversee SHE&E services, policy design, and risk management across campuses. You will coordinate teams, ensure governance, and drive improvements in safety, health, and environmental programs; manage incidents, data reporting, and training in collaboration with HR-Training and Development.

Reporting to the Director: Risk & Compliance, you will lead, monitor and evaluate compliance

Qualifications

• Leadership and team coordination experience at a management level.
• Strong knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.
• Experience in risk assessments and incident investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for SHE&E services and ensure compliance across campuses.
• Design and implement health, safety and environmental policies and processes.
• Manage administration and resources of the SHE&E department.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Risk assessment

Incident investigations

Data reporting

Communication

Education

Health, Safety and Environment degree (NQF7)

Tools

MS Office/CRM tools

Job description

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Title of Position

Post Number

5227

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Services -> Risk & Compliance

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Closing Date

2/11/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, cognizant of its regional, national and international environment. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context, which is framed by our Institutional Operating Plan.

The Risk and Compliance Department seeks an assertive, strong, compliance focused individual, who is able to work independently as well as co-ordinate teams, to take responsibility for the identification, implementation, maintenance of and adherence to SHE & Emergency Services (SHE&E) requirements within UWC and its satellites.

Reporting to the Director: Risk & Compliance, we invite suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements to apply for this position.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Provide leadership with regard to the rendering of quality SHE&E Services that includes the smooth running of the SHE&E and relevant compliance requirements
• Ensure efficient and effective functioning of the SHE&E department and achievement of objectives
• Effective management of the SHE&E department's administration and resources
• Design and implement policies and related business processes
• Perform analysis and interpretations of relevant data on related risks and incidences and reporting accordingly
• Interpret policies, legislation, regulations and instructions in respect of pre- emergency risk reduction and post-emergency recovery in order to facilitate its integration into the UWC emergency preparedness policy and implementation
• Manage Occupational health safety and provide direction in the management of Health and Safety Committees
• Manage Environmental Health and Safety and provide direction in the management thereof.
• In conjunction with HR- Training and Development be responsible for the training of staff and users/committee members in health and Safety.
• Manage medical care to students, visitors and staff and ensuring that call-outs to patients for assistance and medical care is adequately provided
• Manage Occupational Health and Safety investigations and statistics at all campuses by determining viability of safety investigations and formal communication thereof to the Director: Risk & Compliance and relevant stakeholders
• Responsible for relevant Health and Safety investigations in terms of planning and implementation
• Providing reports to line management, various stakeholders and governance structures
• Design and implementation of appropriate policies and business processes
• Responsible for the management of Fire safety and relevant compliance
• Guide and Support all Events Safety including the monitoring of event plans and quality
• Assist in the management, the planning and coordination of waste management including stakeholder and institutional compliance
• Manage water management safety
• Manage food hygiene safety
• Responsible for awareness campaigns and training to relevant user groups
• Record keeping of incidents as maintained on the institutional system (GV Chase) and various reporting requirements
• A Degree in Health, Safety and Environment at NQF7 or equivalent in the Health and Safety environment
• 5 years relevant management experience
• Valid Driver’s license (08) with two years accident-free experience
• Valid Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
• Chemical, biological or similar experience in waste management (Eg Labs and medical waste handling)

Advantagoeus:

• PSIRA registration (Fire Management) will be an advantage, but will be required to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.
• Registration with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) will be advantages, but will be required to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.

Required skills and competencies:

• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations as amended
• Knowledge of National Building Regulations, Environmental Legislation and Local municipal by-laws
• Knowledge of safety standards PC and Software literacy
• Experience in conducting Risk Assessments
• Experience in conducting Incident/Accident investigations
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Knowledge in Fire Safety and Medical Emergency Response
• Experience in Events Management
• Knowledge of Compensation Claims and Administration
• Ability to interact at all levels
• Ergonomics knowledge
• Professional registration, academic status in the relevant discipline, a proven research and publication record, etc.
• Strong Leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Conflict Resolution and Management
• Ability to streamline processes