Regional Food Technologist / Food Safety Co-ordinator

We have an exciting opportunity for a diligent, proactive Health and Safety professional to join our team. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the adherence to HSE policies and procedures at Empact-managed sites as well as conducting site inspections and compiling incident reports. Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for someone who is highly engaged and can communicate effectively with people at every level of the organisation. Previous experience in a food production environment is essential.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Qualifications

• B-Tech / National Diploma Environmental Health
• National Diploma Food Technology or Food Science with supplementary safety, environmental, health or risk management training NEBOSH.
• Minimum of 5 years Industry experience in food production / food manufacturing / auditing of food safety management systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, Implement and Manager HSE Policies and Procedures
• Have a comprehensive knowledge of all South African food legislation, regulations and industry standards and practical experience in the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems and certification standards.
• Implement the companys food safety and occupational health and safety policies procedures and reporting throughout the business.
• Contribute and participate in the development, review, and updating of the Food Safety Management System and documentation.
• Work closely with the Regional Managers supporting their individual business to achieve food safety and OHS compliance.
• Keep abreast of changes to applicable legislation and conduct ongoing research and review of best practice standards and norms to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.
• Translate safety and risk management principles into practical standards, processes and guidelines.
• Ensure that all reasonable and proper measures are taken by the business and its clients to protect the safety and health of staff, clients, customers, contractors and visitors.
• Report and provide feedback to the HSE Manager on food safety and OHS matters impacting the operating division and make recommendations to mitigate any possible risk to the business.
• Identify opportunities to develop and implement environmental initiatives aligned with operational needs of the business and the environmental objectives of the organisation.
• Champion food safety, OHS and environmental awareness and issues across the business, within the designated sector.

Operational Safety Assurance

• Conduct scheduled food unit legal compliance and risk-based audits to verify compliance with and adherence to the companys food safety management system.
• Compile and distribute reports of all site visits and audits, classifying and detailing non-conformances and suggesting corrective action (where appropriate).
• Work with the operations teams in addressing the non-conformances identified during both internal and external audits.
• Conduct pre-mobilization risk assessments on new sites and work with the sales and operations teams to identify risk factors and suggest mitigation measures.
• Play an active role in the mobilization of new units and ensure their readiness for service.
• Regular review of micro and analytical testing reports.

Training and Development

• Actively contribute to the development of training material content.
• Conduct food safety and OHS training for all newly appointed unit / catering / project managers.
• Conducts on-site training of unit managers, catering managers and regional managers, as and when required by the business.
• Highlight areas where training/certification is required to meet legislative requirements, approved Codes of Practice, or industry standards.

Incident Reporting and Management

• Work closely with the Incident Management Controller on the reporting and classification of incidents.
• Investigate and verify incident classifications.
• Verify the incident log on a monthly basis and ensure the close out of all incidents following a robust investigative process.
• Assist the operations team in conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and follow up to ensure that corrective actions are implemented. Make policy recommendations to the business following on from incidents and near misses.
• Follow up with the units to ensure that all required documentation and reports are received timeously.
• Compile and distribute Lessons Learned, Near Misses and Safety Alerts.

Legal & Regulatory

• Assist the units in updating and maintaining their Certificate of Food Premise Acceptability (COFPA) and other legal requirements.
• Keep up to date with changes in current legislation and inform the business accordingly.
• Act as liaison with all related governmental bodies and regulating agencies.
• Liaise with the local Environmental Health Practioners (EHP), Department of Health officials, fire department etc.

General

• Prepare, submit, and present reports, statistics and trend analysis related to food safety and OHS performance.
• Attend regular meetings with regional managers where you will provide feedback to the business in terms of food safety and OHS compliance and opportunities to improve.
• Plan properly for all travel and control all expenses in line with the HSE budget requirements.
• Maintain a neat and well-organized working space.
• Adhere to the company policies and procedures.
• Be professional in all communication channels and keep your colleagues and units informed of any developments or changes relevant to their daily duties.
• Notify the HSE Director of any difficulties you are experiencing with incidents, operating units, suppliers, assigned tasks and projects or any work-related matters that may be relevant.