Our client, a leading organisation within the FMCG manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced SHERQ Executive to provide strategic leadership across their business division.

This executive-level role is responsible for driving the organisation's Safety, Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality (SHERQ) strategy while ensuring compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in embedding a strong safety and quality culture, leading high-performing teams, and partnering with executive leadership to support sustainable business performance.

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