SHERQ Executive

Merand Corbett & Associates; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Merand Corbett & Associates seeks a mature SHERQ leader to develop and drive the divisional SHERQ strategy across multiple sites in Johannesburg. You will mentor high-performing teams, lead safety, quality, environmental and risk initiatives, and partner with executives to align governance with business objectives.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in SHERQ or related field, ~10 years in FMCG SHERQ, and proven executive-level leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SHERQ, Risk, Environmental or related field.
• Approximately 10 years' SHERQ experience in FMCG manufacturing.
• Executive-level leadership experience (Head of/Group/Executive).
• Strong background in Food Safety, Health & Safety, QA or SHERQ.
• Experience implementing management systems and audits.
• Strategic thinking with ability to drive operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the divisional SHERQ strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop SHERQ teams with accountability and growth.
• Drive safety, quality, environmental and risk culture across sites.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, environmental, OH&S and regulatory needs.
• Partner with executives to influence strategic decisions.
• Lead customer engagements and report SHERQ performance to leaders.
• Oversee risk management programmes and environmental compliance.
• Manage internal and external audits and system maintenance.
• Lead change initiatives and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Develop succession plans and capability-building for continuity.
• Ensure SHERQ teams are resourced, coached, and trained.
• Drive continuous improvement through problem-solving and projects.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Audits

SHERQ

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in SHERQ or related field

Tools

ISO 9001

Food safety systems

OHSAS/ISO 45001

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute the divisional SHERQ strategy aligned with business objectives
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing SHERQ teams while fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement
• Drive a proactive safety, quality, environmental, and risk management culture across multiple sites
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, environmental, occupational health and safety, statutory, regulatory, customer, and certification requirements
• Partner with executive leadership to influence strategic decision-making and support business objectives
• Lead customer engagements and present SHERQ performance, audit outcomes, and strategic initiatives to senior stakeholders
• Oversee risk management programmes, quality management systems, and environmental compliance initiatives
• Manage internal and external audits, ensuring effective implementation and maintenance of management systems
• Lead change initiatives and cross-functional projects that improve compliance, operational efficiency, and business performance
• Develop sustainable SHERQ structures, succession plans, and capability-building programmes to ensure long-term business continuity
• Ensure SHERQ teams are appropriately resourced, coached, and trained to achieve strategic objectives
• Drive continuous improvement through effective problem-solving, collaboration, and project management

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 7) in SHERQ, Risk Management, Environmental Management, Safety Management, Quality Management, Food Technology, or a related field
• Approximately 10 years' experience in SHERQ within an FMCG manufacturing environment
• Proven executive-level leadership experience (Head of, Group, Executive or equivalent senior leadership level) is essential
• Strong experience leading Food Safety, Health & Safety, Quality Assurance, or integrated SHERQ functions within the food manufacturing industry
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and influencing executive stakeholders
• Experience implementing and maintaining management systems, regulatory compliance frameworks, and leading internal and external audits
• Ability to operate strategically while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Willingness to work primarily on-site in Johannesburg, with limited flexibility once established in the role
• Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills