Pie in the Sky Bakery invites suitably qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements and share a passion for health and safety to apply for the position of Safety and Health Controller. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic, family-run bakery committed to quality and employee wellbeing. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their CVs by the closing date, Friday, 03rd October 2025.

VACANCY: Safety and Health Controller

LOCATION: Cape Town, Western Cape

A fast-paced, FSA-accredited, family-run wholesale bakery serves the retail, food service, and hospitality industries, as well as regional and national distributors across South Africa. The bakery specializes in artisan breads, rolls, buns, brioche, croissants, Danish pastries, doughnuts, and a variety of small confectionery products. A unique range of thaw-and-serve, parbaked, and convenience products simplifies operations for end users while maintaining high-quality, consistent output. The vision is to become a recognized supplier of premium bakery products in South Africa and the preferred partner in the sector by 2028.

This role presents an opportunity for a driven individual to contribute significantly by:

• Impacting all areas of factory operations meaningfully
• Translating statutory Health & Safety requirements into practical, proactive initiatives
• Ensuring a safe, compliant workplace environment
• Promoting personal wellbeing through accessible support programs
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business

Duties and Responsibilities

Health & Safety Programme Development

• Develop a site-specific annual Health & Safety programme by interpreting statutory requirements. Utilize layout planning and risk mapping to implement, monitor, and continuously improve safety measures across all factory areas.
• Identify high-risk zones through detailed risk assessments and create targeted interventions to mitigate hazards, ensuring alignment with legal and industry standards.

Health Awareness and Wellbeing Initiatives

• Design and implement health awareness campaigns focusing on illness prevention, personal wellbeing, and access to support services. Collaborate with Human Resources and Quality Assurance teams to integrate these initiatives into training, induction, and employee development programs, leveraging digital platforms for broader reach.
• Promote mental and physical health by organizing workshops, providing resources, and ensuring employees have access to confidential support systems.

Incident Reporting and Compliance

• Establish robust incident reporting and response processes for workplace injuries and ill-health. Ensure full compliance with Workman’s Compensation and Occupational Health legislation, working closely with HR on case management, risk mitigation, and employee rehabilitation support.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, analyze trends, and implement preventive measures to reduce recurrence.

Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

• Coordinate comprehensive fire safety measures, including prevention, detection, and response systems. Oversee the maintenance of fire-fighting equipment, ensure staff readiness through regular training, and conduct fire drills to test preparedness.
• Develop and maintain clear emergency preparedness protocols, including evacuation routes, signage, and crisis response plans, ensuring all employees are familiar with procedures through regular drills and awareness campaigns.

Inspections and Audits

• Lead both systematic and ad-hoc Health & Safety inspections and audits of facilities, identifying risks and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Guide corrective actions to align with a comprehensive Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) framework.
• Conduct inspections of plant, machinery, and equipment to verify adherence to statutory and manufacturer safety standards. Update risk assessments regularly and ensure timely implementation of corrective measures.

Safe Usage and Storage Protocols

• Establish protocols for the safe use and storage of equipment, tools, and chemicals. Develop clear guidelines, conduct risk identification, and promote awareness to prevent misuse, contamination, or accidents.
• Implement regular checks to ensure compliance with storage protocols and maintain a safe working environment, particularly in areas involving hazardous materials.

Training and Development

• Support the delivery of Health & Safety training for onboarding new employees and ongoing staff development. Reinforce learning through practical demonstrations, floor-level coaching, and continuous awareness campaigns tailored to specific roles and risks.
• Create engaging training materials, including visual aids and interactive sessions, to enhance understanding and retention of safety practices.

Data Management and Reporting

• Capture, process, and report Health & Safety data with accuracy to ensure traceability and compliance. Use data-driven insights to inform planning, improve safety initiatives, and support strategic decision-making.
• Maintain detailed records for audits and regulatory reporting, ensuring all documentation meets legal and industry standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Health & Safety Management
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of Health & Safety experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry
• Skills: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in risk assessment, and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Familiarity with digital platforms for training and data management is an advantage.

Additional Expectations

• Demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying and addressing safety risks, with a focus on fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including HR, Quality Assurance, and Operations, to ensure seamless integration of safety initiatives.
• Stay updated on changes in Health & Safety legislation and industry best practices, adapting programmes to maintain compliance and relevance.

Why Join the Team?

This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference in a dynamic, growing business. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to shape the Health & Safety landscape, protect employees, and contribute to the bakery’s ambition to become a leader in the South African bakery sector. The position provides opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with diverse teams, and the ability to drive impactful change in a supportive, family-oriented environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV to [email protected] by no later than Friday, 3rd October 2025. Ensure the application highlights relevant qualifications, experience, and a brief motivation for interest in the role.