Job Description

Our client is seeking an exceptional Executive: Occupational Health - a strategic leader who will champion occupational health excellence, strengthen national surveillance systems, and guide South Africa's response to occupational and environmental health challenges.
This role provides strategic direction, management oversight, and scientific leadership to ensure the effective delivery of occupational health services that protect workers, communities, and industries across the country. As the head, you will shape national policy, drive research innovation, and build partnerships that advance South Africa's occupational health agenda.

• Develop and implement the annual strategy and operational plan aligned with national priorities and business needs.
• Serve as a key member of the Executive Management Team.
• Represent at national and international forums, advocating for resources, partnerships, and policy support.
• Drive sustainable growth by maintaining a robust pipeline of occupational health projects.

• Oversee the development and strengthening of South Africa's Occupational Health system.
• Lead national surveillance and monitoring of occupational diseases.
• Ensure the provision of accurate, comprehensive data to the Department of Health.
• Contribute to national strategies for occupational disease management, including collaboration with MBOD and CCOD.

• Promote innovative, evidence?based research in occupational and environmental health.
• Identify and manage research programmes aligned with national and global public health priorities.
• Oversee dissemination of scientific findings through publications, conferences, and policy briefs.
• Ensure compliance with national and international public health regulations and standards.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government institutions, industry, labour organisations, academic institutions, WHO, and other partners.
• Provide technical advice, operational research, and capacity?building support to national, provincial, and local government departments.
• Represent on specialist committees, forums, and international bodies.

• Oversee all operational functions, ensuring effective delivery of occupational health services, research, training, and technical support.
• Ensure robust quality management systems and adherence to all quality assurance standards.
• Implement sound governance, accountability mechanisms, and responsible resource management.

• Build, lead, and mentor a high?performing multidisciplinary team.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, diversity, and continuous professional development.
• Support training and development of occupational health professionals across the country.

• Ensure effective communication and guidance during occupational disease outbreaks.
• Communicate priorities, achievements, and scientific insights to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.

Non-negotiables:
MMed/FCPHM qualification
Registration with HPCSA as an Occupational Medicine Specialist / Public Health Medicine Specialist.
operational) within an Occupational Health and Safety or public health Senior Management Level.
Advantage:
Management qualification.
Experience in managing a large department or unit budget.
Experience, knowledge and understanding of the International Labour
Organisation (ILO) Labour Standards as well as the WHO guidelines and policies for OHS.
Knowledge of the relevant sections of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Occupational Diseases in Act and the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act.
Experience, Knowledge and understanding of the International Commission
for Occupational Health guidelines, International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Labour standards as well as the WHO guidelines and policies for OHS.
Skills / Attributes:
Visionary
Results driven
Self motivated
Strategic

Skills Required