Chief Hygiene Officer - Eastern Cape Hospitality Group

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Hygiene Officer for a prominent hospitality group in the Eastern Cape region. The role leads hygiene strategy, policy development, and regulatory compliance across hotels, restaurants and facilities.

The executive will oversee audits, training, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement with health authorities, ensuring top-tier safety and cleanliness standards throughout Port Elizabeth properties.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Microbiology, or related field.
• 10+ years in hygiene management with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP), infection control, and relevant legislation.
• Experience developing and implementing large-scale hygiene programs.
• Strong analytical, risk assessment and budgeting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement group-wide hygiene and infection control strategy.
• Establish and enforce cleaning protocols and standards across all properties.
• Conduct audits and inspections for regulatory compliance.
• Oversee waste management, pest control, and water quality programs.
• Train hygiene teams across all levels and drive consistent practices.
• Monitor trends and regulations in hygiene management and implement advancements.
• Collaborate with managers to embed hygiene into service delivery.
• Manage budgets for hygiene operations and external providers.
• Interface with health authorities and external auditors.
• Investigate incidents and outbreaks and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Risk assessment

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Public Health / Environmental Health / Microbiology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent hospitality group operating across the Eastern Cape , is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Hygiene Officer to lead and elevate hygiene and sanitation standards across all their establishments, including key properties in Port Elizabeth . This executive-level position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive hygiene policies and procedures to ensure the highest levels of safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in public health, environmental science, or a related field, coupled with extensive experience in managing hygiene programs within the hospitality or healthcare sectors. This is a critical role that requires a proactive leader committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining the group's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a group-wide strategy for hygiene, sanitation, and infection control.
• Establish and enforce robust cleaning protocols and operational standards across all hotel properties, restaurants, and facilities.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with national and international hygiene regulations and best practices.
• Oversee waste management, pest control, and water quality programs.
• Train and develop hygiene teams and staff across all levels, ensuring a consistent understanding and application of hygiene principles.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in hygiene management and implement relevant advancements.
• Collaborate with operational managers to integrate hygiene considerations into all aspects of service delivery.
• Manage budgets related to hygiene operations, including supplies, equipment, and external service providers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for health authorities and external auditors on hygiene-related matters.
• Investigate and manage any hygiene-related incidents or outbreaks, implementing corrective actions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hygiene management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within the hospitality or healthcare industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP), infection control principles, and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing large-scale hygiene programs and policies.
• Strong analytical, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven ability to influence and drive change across an organization.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to travel regularly to various locations within the Eastern Cape , including Port Elizabeth .

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the hygiene standards of a leading hospitality group and make a significant impact on public health and safety. You will work in a dynamic and challenging environment with a supportive leadership team. This position based in Port Elizabeth offers substantial career growth potential and the chance to be at the forefront of hygiene innovation in the region.