SHERQ And Sustainability Manager

Vector Logistics Limited; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics firm in South Africa is seeking a qualified professional to manage SHERQ and sustainability operations. The role demands over 5 years in supply chain or FMCG, with strong expertise in compliance, risk management, and ESG strategy. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading audits, standardizing practices, and engaging with stakeholders across multiple sites. This position offers opportunities for significant impact through continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Inclusive workplace culture

Employment equity principles

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain or FMCG environments.
• 3+ years in a SHERQ management role.
• Proven experience managing multiple large-scale sites or regions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage SHERQ and sustainability operations.
• Ensure compliance with OHS and environmental regulations.
• Drive standardization of SHERQ and ESG systems across regions.

Skills

OHS Act knowledge

Environmental legislation expertise

Fire safety expertise

Project management skills

Risk assessment proficiency

Training and coaching skills

Education

Bachelor’s or BTech degree in Safety, Quality, or Environmental Management

Tools

SHERQ/ESG software

Job description

Overview

We are a Supply Chain and Sales & Merchandising partner adding value to your business through a fully integrated, temperature-controlled network in Southern Africa.

But we are also more than that. We are people serving people. While we boast the best in tech and infrastructure, our people are our greatest resource. With our skilled, curious, can-do people at the forefront, our assets become your assets, our service your solutions.

Vector’s vehicle fleet includes a food industry first in ‘multi-temperature’ vehicles enabling the company to service business across frozen, chilled and ambient temperature zones on a single delivery.

Job Purpose

• To lead and manage SHERQ and sustainability operations, across the Inland North (x3) and PBCS sites (x3), ensuring legal compliance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
• The role is responsible for standardizing systems and procedures, maintaining certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000), driving ESG strategy and supporting operational excellence through audits, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making. It also plays a key role in coaching teams, managing change, and aligning SHERQ and ESG practices with strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead statutory inspections and ensure alignment with OHS, Environmental, R638, Marsh, AON, and other regulatory standards.
• Ensure legal registers are maintained and current across all sites.
• Review and improve fire safety and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Support sites in preparing for external risk audits (e.g., Marsh) and drive audit readiness programs.
• Provide input on legal compliance and internal controls to mitigate operational and SHERQ risks.

Audit & Certification

• Plan and oversee ISO, legal, and risk audits nationally (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000).
• Monitor SHERQ audit performance and integrate audits for efficiency.
• Support sites in retaining existing certifications and attaining new ones.
• Conduct site audits to identify non-conformances and ensure effective closure.

Standardization & Continuous Improvement

• Drive standardization of SHERQ and ESG systems, procedures, and documentation across all regions.
• Lead Centre of Excellence initiatives to embed consistent practices and toolkits.
• Monitor SHERQ operational trends and implement forward-thinking improvements.
• Drive SHERQ and ESG projects (e.g., site mergers, upgrades, software implementation).

ESG strategy and Reporting

• Support the execution of Vector’s ESG strategy, including project tracking and reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement & Support

• Engage with customers, principals, and service providers to resolve complaints, recalls, and investigations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Risk, PBCS, VTM, and SHERQ teams to meet strategic goals.
• Advise and support teams on new and existing SHERQ legislation and standards.
• Attend meetings and represent SHERQ in customer and principal engagements.

Training & Capability Building

• Coach and mentor SHERQ teams in delivering ESG and SHERQ support.
• Facilitate training on statutory compliance, safety, food safety, and environmental standards.
• Promote a culture of safety, sustainability, and accountability across the network.

Systems & Documentation

• Ensure documentation systems are current, practical, and user-friendly.
• Maintain internal and external audit schedules.
• Ensure timely and complete submission of all required reports.

Key Relationships

Internal

• High degree of interaction for the purpose of strategy, compliance, training and collaboration.

External

• Moderate to high degree of interaction for the purpose of issue resolution, audits relationship management.

Auditors & Regulators

• High degree of interaction for the purpose of compliance, certification and inspections.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required for the Job

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or BTech degree in Safety, Quality, Science, Eng or Environmental Management.
• +5 years in supply chain, distribution, plant or FMCG environments, with at least 3 years in a SHERQ management role.
• Proven experience managing multiple large-scale sites or regions, leading audits, compliance programs, and working knowledge sustainability reporting.
• Valid Code 8 drivers' license.

Skills and Competencies

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• In-depth knowledge of OHS Act, Environmental legislation, R638, and food safety regulations.
• Familiarity with insurance and risk standards (e.g., Marsh, AON).
• Ability to interpret and apply legal requirements across multiple sites.
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Fire safety and emergency preparedness expertise.

Audit & Certification Management

• ISO standards expertise (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000).
• Internal and external audit planning and execution.
• Non-conformance identification and corrective action management.
• Certification maintenance and improvement.

SHERQ & ESG Systems Standardization

• Process mapping and documentation standardization.
• ESG and SHERQ systems integration.
• Project management for system upgrades and site transitions.
• Data-driven continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

ESG Strategy & Reporting

• ESG framework understanding (e.g., GHG Protocol, SDGs).
• KPI performance monitoring.

Systems & Documentation

• Document control and versioning.
• Audit scheduling and tracking.
• Report writing and submission protocols.
• Familiarity with SHERQ/ESG software platforms.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Customer and principal relationship management.
• Conflict resolution and complaint handling.
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence.
• Professional representation in external forums.

Training & Capability Building

• Coaching and mentoring skills.
• Facilitation of technical and compliance training.
• Change management and culture-building.
• Communication of complex regulatory concepts in simple terms.

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to align SHERQ and ESG initiatives with business strategy.
• Forward-looking risk and compliance planning.
• Innovation in sustainability and safety practices.

Execution & Accountability

• Ownership of national programs and audits.
• Delivery of results under pressure.
• Prioritization and time management across multiple sites.

Influence & Advocacy

• Championing safety and sustainability culture.
• Driving adoption of standards and systems.
• Advocating for SHERQ and ESG priorities at executive level.

Vector Logistics supports the principles of Employment Equity and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with our Employment Equity Plan. If you have not heard from us within 3 to 4 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. We truly appreciate your interest in joining the Vector team and encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities that may align with your skills and career journey.

We look forward to hearing from you!