Key Responsibilities:
1. Health & Safety Compliance
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and industry-specific health and safety regulations (Example: OSHA, HACCP, FDA or equivalent standards).
- Develop, implement, and monitor HSE policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for fresh food handling, storage, and retailing.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections of retail stores, warehouses, and cold storage facilities.
- Maintain updated records of safety certifications, risk assessments, and training sessions.
2. Risk Assessment & Incident Management
- Identify potential hazards (Example: biological, chemical, and physical contamination risks) and develop preventative measures.
- Conduct safety drills and emergency response training for employees.
- Investigate workplace incidents, accidents, and near-miss cases, and recommend corrective actions.
- Implement food safety measures to prevent contamination, spoilage, or foodborne illnesses.
3. Training & Awareness
- Develop and conduct HSE training programs for employees, covering topics such as personal hygiene, equipment handling, hazardous material management, and emergency response.
- Promote a safety-first culture through campaigns, workshops, and regular briefings.
- Ensure all staff handling fresh food are aware of and comply with food safety and hygiene standards.
4. Safety Equipment & Facility Management
- Ensure availability and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees handling perishable goods.
- Monitor ventilation, temperature control, and cleanliness in fresh food storage areas.
- Oversee the maintenance and calibration of safety-related equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, refrigeration units, and sanitization stations).
5. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare and present HSE reports, compliance audits, and safety performance metrics to senior management.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance safety and efficiency in fresh retail operations.
- Stay updated on emerging health and safety regulations and industry best practices.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Food Safety, or a related field.
- Certifications in NEBOSH, IOSH, HACCP, or equivalent food safety standards are preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in health & safety roles within the retail, fresh food, or FMCG industry.
- Strong background in food safety, hygiene, and HACCP compliance.
- Experience in conducting safety audits, risk assessments, and employee training.
- Strong knowledge of HSE regulations and food safety laws.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills to train and guide retail staff.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills for risk assessment and incident investigations.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle emergency situations effectively.
Additional Information:
- This role requires on-site visits to retail stores, warehouses, and fresh food distribution centers.
- Flexibility in working hours may be needed to address emergency situations or conduct training.