SHERQ Executive

SUMMARY:
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.

POSITION INFO:
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

• 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