SHERQ Officer

Job Advert Summary

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing, maintaining and continuously improving the company's Food Safety (FSA) and HSE management systems inclusive of the Risk and Quality Management Systems, while providing HR administrative support for the site, including payroll information capture and employee administration.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Food Safety, Quality Management, Environmental Health, Occupational Health & Safety, SHERQ Management, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in SHERQ, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or Compliance within a food manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, cold storage, or FMCG environment.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in FSMS, HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, GMPs, PRPs, OPRPs, and food hygiene requirements.
• Working knowledge of OHSA, environmental legislation, and applicable statutory requirements.
• Experience in risk assessments, incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and non-conformance management.
• Experience coordinating internal and external audits, including certification, customer, regulatory, and food safety audits.
• Experience in employee training, inductions, competency assessments, and awareness programmes.
• Knowledge of pest control, environmental monitoring, microbiological and water quality testing, calibration systems, traceability, and product recall processes.
• Experience compiling management, compliance, and sustainability reports.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Payroll and HR administration experience will be advantageous.
• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence and own reliable transport.
• Willingness to work after hours and travel as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in line with ISO 22000, HACCP, FSSC 22000, legal requirements, and customer standards.
• Maintain and monitor PRPs, OPRPs, GMPs, food hygiene standards, hazard analyses, risk assessments, and food safety documentation.
• Manage supplier approval documentation, product specifications, and related food safety records.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver SHERQ training, inductions, competency assessments, refresher training, and awareness programmes, including maintaining training records and monthly reports.
• Ensure food safety monitoring equipment is calibrated, verified, and maintained according to requirements.
• Manage pest control programmes, environmental monitoring, microbiological testing, water quality testing, chemical controls, traceability, and product recall processes.
• Manage food safety non-conformances through investigation, corrective and preventative actions, verification, and closure.
• Plan, conduct, and manage internal and external audits, including FSSC 22000 certification audits, customer audits, regulatory inspections, and food safety audits.
• Coordinate Food Safety Management Reviews and implement continual improvement initiatives.
• Maintain and improve Health, Safety, and Environmental Management Systems and ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• Investigate and manage incidents, accidents, insurance-related matters, and non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Facilitate Health & Safety Committee meetings and monitor contractor and visitor compliance.
• Ensure legal appointments, statutory inspections, and compliance registers remain current.
• Compile monthly SHERQ and sustainability reports.
• Promote a proactive food safety, health, safety, environmental, and quality culture throughout the business.

HR Administration Responsibilities

• Capture and submit weekly and monthly payroll information accurately and within deadlines.
• Maintain employee attendance, timekeeping, leave records, and personnel files.
• Administer onboarding documentation and induction records.
• Assist with HR reporting, employee documentation, and general HR administration.
• Liaise with central HR and Payroll departments regarding employee queries and submissions.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and payroll data.
• Assist with Employment Equity, training, and statutory administration as required.