We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for a Senior Fire & Safety Officer to coordinate and support fire prevention, fire protection, emergency preparedness and occupational health and safety at Ngodwana Mill, safeguarding people, assets and operations through effective risk management, regulatory compliance, incident prevention and investigation, and continuous improvement of safety performance within delegated authority.

As a Senior Fire & Safety Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Fire Risk Management and Compliance: Develop, review and maintain fire risk assessments in accordance with BLRA, IBRA and MOC requirements, identifying risks, recommending appropriate controls and monitoring corrective actions to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and standards.
• Fire Prevention and Risk Control: Conduct fire prevention inspections and monitor compliance with fire prevention measures, including hot work permits, fire watch, ignition source controls and combustible material storage, ensuring that identified risks are effectively managed.
• Fire Protection Systems and Asset Management: Oversee the inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, including fire water systems, hydrants, detection and suppression systems, fire appliances and emergency response equipment, ensuring operational readiness and asset integrity.
• Fire Protection System Impairment Management: Manage fire protection system impairments by coordinating approvals, implementing interim risk controls, monitoring outstanding defects and verifying the restoration of systems to ensure continued site protection.
• Fire Safety Audits and Continuous Improvement: Coordinate fire safety and loss-prevention audits, inspections and surveys, monitor findings and corrective actions, and implement improvement initiatives to strengthen fire protection reliability and overall safety performance.
• Emergency Preparedness and Training: Coordinate emergency preparedness programmes, including evacuation drills and emergency response planning, while developing and facilitating fire safety training to promote awareness, competence and emergency readiness.
• Health and Safety Management Systems: Support the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the site's ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, ensuring audit readiness, certification requirements and ongoing compliance.
• Incident Investigation and Reporting: Lead and support fire and safety incident investigations, establish root causes, analyse incident trends, maintain accurate incident records and ensure corrective and preventative actions are implemented to minimise recurrence.
• Technical Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Provide technical guidance, supervision and development support to the Fire Protection function, collaborating with Engineering, Operations, management, contractors and other stakeholders to address fire and safety risks and drive continuous improvement.

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Fire Technology, Fire Safety, Emergency Management, Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant industrial experience in fire safety, fire prevention, emergency response and occupational health and safety, including supervisory experience.
• Recognised firefighting and emergency response training, with practical experience in firefighting, rescue operations, emergency preparedness and incident command.
• Proven experience in managing fire protection systems, conducting fire and safety risk assessments, inspections, audits and loss prevention activities.
• Experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation and safety compliance monitoring.
• Proven experience in facilitating fire safety training, conducting emergency drills and assessing emergency response team competency.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable fire safety legislation, SANS, NFPA and relevant industry standards.
• Experience in contractor safety management, shutdown activities and permit-to-work systems.

Advantageous:

• SAMTRAC, NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent OHS qualification.
• Recognised Fire Instructor/Train-the-Trainer, Fire Officer or Incident Command System (ICS) certification.
• Incident investigation training (ICAM, RCAT or equivalent).
• Professional registration or membership with a recognised fire protection, emergency services or occupational health and safety professional body.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.