Environmental Health & Safety & Process Improvement Manager

About the Role: The Environmental Health and Safety & Process Improvement Manager is primarily responsible for ensuring strict compliance with New Zealand’s environmental, health, and safety regulations. This includes developing and enforcing EHS policies, conducting regular audits, and leading risk mitigation efforts to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. The manager also fosters a culture of safety and sustainability, delivering targeted training programs and promoting environmental stewardship throughout the organization. Additionally, the role involves driving process improvement across the entire plant by identifying and implementing initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. This includes leading cross-functional teams, managing resources, and aligning EHS and process improvement efforts with the company’s overall objectives to ensure a safe, compliant, and continuously improving work environment. Job Description:

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

1. Ensure full compliance with New Zealand EHS regulations.
2. Update policies in response to regulatory changes.
3. Conduct EHS audits and manage incident reporting and corrective and preventive actions.

Environmental Sustainability

1. Implement strategies to minimize environmental impact.
2. Monitor, report, and lead projects to enhance environmental performance.
3. Collaborate with suppliers on sustainability initiatives.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

1. Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation and emergency plans.
2. Communicate risks to stakeholders and ensure timely action.

Continuous Improvement

1. Lead process improvements across the plant, using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methods.
2. Track and analyze KPIs to ensure ongoing efficiency gains.
3. Facilitate regular audits and improvement workshops.

Safety Training and Culture

1. Develop and deliver comprehensive EHS training.
2. Promote a culture of safety and integrate EHS into all operations.

Process Documentation and Standardization

1. Standardize and maintain EHS and operational documentation.
2. Ensure processes are consistent and compliant with regulations.
3. Assist Operations leaders in monitoring and auditing employee compliance with policies and SOPs.

Team Leadership and Development

1. Set up, lead, and mentor the EHS and Process Improvement teams.
2. Manage resources, set objectives, and provide performance feedback.

Reporting and Communication

1. Report EHS and process improvement metrics to senior management.
2. Ensure clear communication to all key stakeholders, and maintain transparency and accountability in all EHS activities.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Environmental), Industrial Technology, Process Engineering, Business Administration (with a focus on Operations Management) or any related field.
2. Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant work experience in Environmental Health and Safety Management, Process Improvement or Continuous Improvement roles (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma), Operations or Manufacturing Management, Experience within the food or pet food industry.
3. Experience in a Leadership or Managerial Role: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional projects.
4. Certifications in Environmental Health and Safety (at least one): Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC), Occupational Health and Safety Management Certification (ISO 45001).
5. Certifications in Process Improvement: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Certified Lean Practitioner, Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).