Principal Industrial Safety Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with bonuses

Medical aid and provident fund

International training and development

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Industrial Safety Engineer to lead safety strategies for a major mining operation near Rustenburg. The role focuses on risk identification, mitigation planning, and regulatory compliance across sites.

You will mentor teams and drive a strong safety culture embedded in daily operations. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in industrial safety, NOSA/NEBOSH desirable, and deep knowledge of SA legislation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in OHS, Engineering or related discipline is required.
• NOSA/NEBOSH certifications are highly desirable.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive industrial safety experience, with mining/heavy manufacturing background.
• Extensive knowledge of South African safety legislation and best practices.
• Proven track record developing and implementing robust safety management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced industrial safety programs across multiple sites.
• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments (HIRA) and JSA for operations.
• Ensure compliance with SA and international safety legislation and standards (e.g., OHS Act).
• Investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Deliver high‑quality safety training for all employee levels.
• Oversee safety management systems such as ISO 45001.
• Collaborate with management to integrate safety into business processes.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections; identify hazards and improvements.
• Promote proactive safety culture through leadership and engagement.
• Advise on design and engineering of safe facilities and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Incident investigations

Risk assessment

Safety auditing

Safety management systems

Safety software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in heavy industry and mining operations, is looking for an exceptional Principal Industrial Safety Engineer to join their esteemed team based in or near Rustenburg . This senior-level position is critical for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety strategies across all operational facets. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of industrial safety, minimizing risks, and fostering a robust safety culture. You will play a key role in conducting in-depth risk assessments, developing mitigation plans, and ensuring compliance with all national and international safety regulations. We seek a proactive and knowledgeable individual with extensive experience in industrial safety management, particularly within large-scale industrial or mining environments. This is a vital role that impacts the well‑being of our workforce and the operational integrity of the company. Your expertise will be paramount in safeguarding our employees and assets while maintaining operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced industrial safety programs and policies across multiple sites.
• Conduct comprehensive hazard identification, risk assessment (HIRA), and job safety analysis (JSA) for all operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to all relevant South African and international safety legislation and standards (e.g., OHS Act).
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses to determine root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and deliver high-quality safety training programs for all levels of employees.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of safety management systems (e.g., ISO 45001).
• Collaborate with management and operational teams to integrate safety into all business processes and decision-making.
• Perform regular safety audits and inspections of facilities and equipment to ensure compliance and identify potential hazards.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through engagement, communication, and leadership.
• Advise on the design and engineering of safe facilities and equipment, ensuring safety is considered from the outset.
• Maintain comprehensive safety records and prepare detailed reports for management and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications (e.g., NOSA, NEBOSH) are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial safety engineering, with a substantial background in the mining or heavy manufacturing sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of South African safety legislation, regulations, and best practices.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing robust safety management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct thorough incident investigations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies and safety auditing techniques.
• Experience with safety software and reporting tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Must be willing to travel to operational sites as needed, although the primary base is remote.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• An exceptional salary package reflecting the seniority of the role, including potential bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid with excellent coverage.
• Company contribution to a provident fund.
• Opportunities for international training and professional development.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Flexibility to work remotely with occasional travel to Rustenburg and other sites.
• Access to advanced safety technologies and resources.
• A leadership position within a well-respected organization.
• Wellness programs and support services.
• Company-provided laptop and communication tools.