Head of Health & Safety (Occupational Health / Safety Management Systems / Risk & Compliance / Manufacturing Operations / HSE Leadership) – Zambia

Reference Number: DGS0029

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Health & Safety to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all occupational health, safety, and environmental initiatives across operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving health and safety systems that protect employees, contractors, visitors, and business assets while ensuring compliance with all applicable legislation, industry standards, and company policies.

The role requires a hands-on safety leader with significant experience within manufacturing, FMCG, industrial, or processing environments and a proven track record of fostering a strong safety culture, reducing workplace incidents, and driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Strategic Health & Safety Leadership

• Develop and implement the organization's Health & Safety strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Lead the continuous improvement of safety management systems, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Foster a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, engagement, and accountability at all levels of the business.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to senior management on all health and safety matters.
• Establish annual health and safety objectives, KPIs, and improvement plans.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all local health, safety, environmental, and occupational health legislation.
• Maintain and continuously improve the company's Health & Safety Management System.
• Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all facilities.
• Identify key operational risks and implement effective mitigation measures.
• Ensure all regulatory reporting requirements are completed accurately and on time.

Incident Management & Investigation

• Lead investigations into incidents, accidents, near misses, and occupational illnesses.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor safety performance trends and develop strategies to reduce incidents and lost-time injuries.
• Ensure effective emergency preparedness and response plans are implemented and regularly tested.

Occupational Health & Wellbeing

• Oversee occupational health programmes and employee wellness initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate health surveillance programmes are implemented where required.
• Manage employee health-related risks, including workplace exposure monitoring and medical surveillance.
• Promote employee wellbeing through targeted health and safety campaigns.

Training & Safety Culture

• Develop and implement comprehensive health and safety training programmes.
• Ensure all employees and contractors receive appropriate safety inductions and ongoing training.
• Drive behavioural safety programmes and workforce engagement initiatives.
• Coach and mentor managers and supervisors to strengthen safety leadership throughout the business.

Contractor & Site Safety Management

• Establish contractor management systems and ensure contractor compliance with company safety standards.
• Monitor contractor performance and adherence to site safety requirements.
• Ensure all visitors, suppliers, and third parties comply with site safety protocols.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Prepare and present health and safety reports to executive leadership.
• Monitor and report on key safety metrics, trends, and improvement initiatives.
• Develop dashboards and management reports to support informed decision-making.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation for health and safety programmes.

Requirements: Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Management, Engineering, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Health & Safety or Business Management will be advantageous.
• Professional Health & Safety certification such as NEBOSH, IOSH, SAMTRAC, or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years' Health & Safety experience within FMCG, manufacturing, industrial, processing, or related environments.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior Health & Safety leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation and international best practices.
• Proven experience implementing and managing Health & Safety Management Systems.
• Excellent incident investigation and risk assessment skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and coaching abilities.
• Experience managing multi-site operations will be advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety reporting systems.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Safety Culture Development
• Risk Assessment & Management
• Incident Investigation
• Regulatory Compliance
• Occupational Health Management
• Crisis & Emergency Response
• Auditing & Inspections
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Continuous Improvement
• Data Analysis & Reporting

Benefits and Contractual Information

• Permanent executive-level position.
• Competitive market-related remuneration package.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Opportunity to lead health and safety initiatives within one of Africa's leading FMCG organizations.

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to [email protected].

Please visit www.camining.com for more exciting opportunities.

Daniel Scholtemeyer
Executive Talent Consultant
CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful, however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.