Lead Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) – FMCG

Job Title: Lead Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) – FMCG
Reporting to: Head - Operations
Location: Thika
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and proactive EHS leader to lead the Environment, Health & Safety function across our FMCG operations. The ideal candidate will lead and institutionalize best-in-class EHS practices across multiple manufacturing sites, drive compliance and culture, own EHS and QMS governance, and build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships including with local authorities. This role is critical to ensuring safe, compliant, and sustainable business operations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. EHS Strategy & Leadership
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company-wide EHS strategy aligned with local laws, global standards, and organizational objectives.
• Lead EHS governance across all sites, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, international certifications, and corporate standards.
• Champion a zero-harm culture through leadership engagement, awareness, and behavior-based safety initiatives.
2. Policy Ownership & Compliance
• Own and update all EHS policies, SOPs, and risk mitigation frameworks in alignment with national regulations and global FMCG best practices.
• Ensure full compliance with NEMA, OSHA, DOSHS, fire safety, and environmental impact guidelines.
• Lead internal and external audits, gap assessments, and timely closure of corrective/preventive actions.
3. QMS & Certification Management
• Take ownership of all Quality Management System (QMS) and integrated management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 9001, etc.).
• Manage certification audits, renewals, and ensure effective implementation of continuous improvement practices across functions.
4. Multi-Site Oversight & Reporting
• Oversee EHS operations across all three manufacturing locations, with direct reports from site-level EHS officers/supervisors.
• Set KPIs, conduct reviews, and standardize best practices across locations.
• Ensure day-to-day compliance reporting, incident investigation, and EHS performance tracking from all sites.
5. Risk Management & Incident Control
• Drive hazard identification, risk assessment (HIRA), and emergency preparedness programs.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement preventive measures for all EHS incidents.
• Conduct regular site safety inspections, mock drills, and environmental monitoring.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as the main liaison with local and national regulatory bodies, emergency services, and industry associations.
• Build and maintain strong local contacts to ensure smooth compliance, inspections, and crisis management.
• Engage with community stakeholders on sustainability, environmental, and CSR programs.
7. Training & Capability Building
• Develop and implement comprehensive EHS training programs for all levels of employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Drive a culture of ownership and accountability through regular awareness campaigns and skill-building sessions.
Requirements
Qualifications and Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• NEBOSH / IOSH / OSHA Certification mandatory.
• Minimum 10+ years of EHS leadership experience in FMCG or manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience managing multi-site EHS responsibilities with direct reporting structures.
• Deep understanding of Kenyan EHS laws and global safety/environmental frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English and Kiswahili; local networks are a strong advantage.
Key Attributes:
• Proactive, hands-on, and solutions oriented.
• Ethical and firm, with high professional integrity.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution.
• Influential leader who can drive cultural change.