Eh&S Specialist

Howaru®; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company is looking for an EH&S Specialist in Cape Town, South Africa. The role involves supporting local and global health and safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with legislation while fostering a strong safety culture. Responsibilities include leading EH&S programs, conducting risk assessments, and participating in safety trainings. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 5 years of experience in a food manufacturing setting, along with strong leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Opportunities for learning and career advancement

Benefits to support well-being

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years EHS experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ISO standards and PSM elements.
• Ability to work independently and conscientiously.

Responsibilities

• Lead EH&S programs in compliance with regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and audits.
• Participate in Gemba walks and shop-floor activities.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Proficient in MS Office

Knowledge of Process Safety

Knowledge of Fire and Electrical Safety

Data management and analytics

Education

Degree or Diploma in Environmental Science, Safety Management, or Chemical/Process Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for an EH&S Specialist in Cape Town, South Africa to support local and global environmental, health and safety initiatives. You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with local legislation and global standards while fostering a strong safety culture across the site. This role combines operational safety leadership with responsibilities for ISO environmental management and Process Safety Management (PSM). It is based on site in Cape Town and is a full‑time, on‑site position.

Responsibilities

• Lead EH&S programs: implement and maintain site EHS systems aligned with ISO standards and South African OHSA and environmental regulations.
• Drive PSM implementation, including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), Permit to Work, and Mechanical Integrity programs.
• Conduct risk assessments (HIRA, PHA), audits, inspections; ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Participate in Gemba walks and shop‑floor engagement activities to identify hazards and reinforce safety culture.
• Contribute to the creation, review, and updating of safety policies and procedures and ensure effective implementation across the site.
• Coordinate EHS training, toolbox talks, and awareness campaigns to strengthen safety culture across all levels.
• Lead investigations for incidents and near misses, report findings, and implement preventive measures.
• Maintain legal registers, manage environmental reporting, and support internal/external audits.
• Manage ordering of safety‑related items (PPE, signage), coordinate on‑site OH&S service providers, and arrange annual medicals and health programs.
• Oversee EHS schedules, including Health & Safety Representative and Committee meetings; maintain minutes; run monthly EHS topics and engagement programs.
• Prepare for and manage emergencies effectively, including drills and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure proper waste segregation, disposal, and compliance with environmental standards; oversee pest control programs to maintain site hygiene and food safety.
• Ensure contractors submit up‑to‑date safety files, evaluate the content for compliance, and oversee the process to maintain contractor safety standards.
• Oversee the performance and compliance of the on‑site security service provider to ensure alignment with company safety and security standards.
• Participate in global EHS initiatives, support 5S/6S studies, and drive local improvement projects for sustainability and safety performance.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Science, Safety Management, or Chemical/Process Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years EHS experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficient in MS Office; auditing experience advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and conscientiously.
• Proficiency in data management and analytics.
• Knowledge of Process Safety.
• Knowledge of Fire and Electrical Safety.
• Experience with ISO standards and PSM elements (PHA, LOPA, MOC, etc.).
• Knowledge of South African OHSA.
• Understanding of FSSC and GMP requirements.
• Good understanding of Enzyme safe handling practices.

Benefits & Development

Join a global leader in food innovation and ingredient solutions. Access opportunities for learning, career advancement, and personal growth. Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits designed to support your well‑being.

EEO Statement

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. We value the diverse mosaic of ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.