We are looking for an experienced ESG Lead to provide Group-level leadership, governance and oversight across ESG, health and safety, and environmental management. Based at Head Office, you will shape the Group ESG strategy, translate strategic objectives into clear expectations for subsidiaries, and coordinate reporting, assurance and governance. Subsidiary teams will own local implementation; your role is to provide direction, consistency, challenge and support while consolidating Group performance for senior stakeholders.
What you will own:
- Develop, maintain and continuously improve the Group ESG strategy, governance framework, policies and Environmental and Social Management System.
- Translate Group ESG priorities into clear standards, expectations, reporting requirements and guidance for subsidiary teams to implement.
- Coordinate and consolidate ESG, H&S and environmental data from subsidiaries for quarterly and annual reporting to management, Exco, the Board, investors and other stakeholders.
- Maintain Group ESG action plans, risk registers, KPIs and dashboards; monitor subsidiary progress and escalate material risks, gaps or delays.
- Monitor relevant legislation, IFC Performance Standard 1 and international standards, and communicate material changes and required actions to subsidiaries.
- Set Group-level minimum standards for health and safety and environmental management, supporting subsidiaries with consistent interpretation and application.
- Coordinate Group stakeholder engagement, partnerships, ESG information requests and collaboration agreements, including MOUs where required.
- Oversee ESG assurance and audit readiness across the Group, including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Sedex and other relevant accreditations; consolidate findings and track subsidiary action plans.
What success looks like:
- A clear Group ESG strategy is in place and translated into practical priorities and expectations for each subsidiary.
- ESG, H&S and environmental reporting is accurate, timely, consistent and decision-useful, with reliable subsidiary inputs.
- Accountabilities are clear: Group provides strategy, governance, coordination and oversight, while subsidiaries own local implementation.
- Material ESG risks, legislative changes and performance gaps are identified early, communicated clearly and escalated appropriately.
- The Group is well prepared for ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Sedex and other relevant audits or accreditations, with findings and actions tracked effectively.
What you will bring:
- A relevant degree or diploma. SAMTRAC or NOSA accreditation will be a strong advantage.
- 5–8 years’ relevant experience in ESG, sustainability or a related discipline, including strategy, governance, reporting or Group-level coordination in a multi-entity environment.
- Experience with ESG, environmental, H&S or integrated SHE management systems and a strong understanding of Group oversight versus subsidiary implementation.
- Sound knowledge of environmental and social legislation, international standards, ESG reporting expectations and IFC Performance Standard 1.
- Exposure to ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Sedex and other relevant audit or accreditation requirements.
- Strong analytical, written communication, reporting, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple entities and reporting streams.
The person who will thrive here:
You are analytical, commercially aware and principled, with the ability to see the Group-wide picture while understanding what subsidiaries need to execute successfully. You communicate with clarity, build constructive relationships and are comfortable challenging where standards or performance fall short. Most importantly, you can move confidently between senior-level strategy and practical guidance to subsidiary teams, while keeping accountability for implementation where it belongs.
Location: Durbanville, Vineyards Office Estate
