People and Safety Advisor

About the Role

At Volvo Trucks, you will be instrumental in transforming the company, the transportation sector, and society as a whole. Prioritizing health and safety is central to our success, fostering a secure, healthy environment that enhances quality, productivity, and employee wellbeing. This position oversees the support, guidance, and influence for Trucks Technology & Industrial Durban operations on matters involving Safety, Health, Wellbeing, Risk Management, and the overall People Experience. You will ensure legal compliance, promote operational excellence, embed proactive risk management, and cultivate a workplace where employees excel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and monitor safety policies and procedures compliant with both Volvo Group standards and South African laws.
• Perform risk assessments, conduct accident investigations, manage incident reporting, and plan incident containment.
• Support health-related investigations, manage personal protective equipment, and oversee emergency readiness.
• Lead workplace wellbeing programs encompassing mental health, ergonomics, lifestyle, and overall wellness.
• Coordinate processes to manage employee incapacity related to ill health, working alongside service providers.
• Organize wellness days and initiatives designed to enhance employee morale and reduce absenteeism.
• Maintain detailed records on incidents, health issues, and compensation claims in line with COIDA regulations.
• Develop reports and provide insights to assist in decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Align local employee experience efforts with global strategies and effectively implement initiatives locally.
• Support employee lifecycle processes including recruitment, onboarding, and separation.
• Promote positive communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership support to foster an enriching employee experience.
• Liaise with service providers to bolster risk management for the plant.
• Develop and maintain risk management plans, monitor critical risks, and ensure mitigation actions are tracked and resolved.
• Proactively escalate high-risk issues to management for prompt response.
• Implement Volvo Performance System principles such as built-in quality, just-in-time production, waste reduction, and transparent monitoring, embedding safety and wellbeing within these frameworks.
• Facilitate training sessions on safety awareness and wellbeing, ensuring engagement and certifications where applicable.
• Lead safety culture initiatives through education, awareness campaigns, and safety committees.
• Prepare and oversee internal and external health and safety audits, track corrective actions, and maintain compliance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Matriculation (Grade 12) is mandatory.
• Possession of an Honours degree or degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, Human Resources, or related discipline.
• Certified in SAMTRAC or NEBOSH (preferably IGC or Diploma).
• Holds First Aid, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), and Fire Safety certifications.
• Registration with professional bodies such as SAFAS, NOSA, or SHEilds is advantageous.
• Three to five years of experience working in manufacturing environments, ideally within automotive or logistics sectors.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of South African occupational legislation including Occupational Health and Safety Act, COIDA, BCEA, and Labour Relations Act.
• Expertise in risk assessment, incident investigation, root cause analysis, audits, and documentation.
• Sound knowledge of employee wellbeing and incapacity management processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Effective communication skills, stakeholder management, influencing, and problem-solving abilities.

Additional Information

• Candidates shortlisted will be required to complete personal verification, providing consent for background, criminal, credit, and reference checks as needed.
• Volvo Group Southern Africa is an equal opportunity employer committed to affirmative action, encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities.
• Applications must be submitted by 17 July 2026. Note that applications via email will not be accepted to protect your data privacy.

About Volvo Group

We are driven to innovate and lead the future of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Joining our team means collaborating with some of the most talented individuals across our global brands, sharing a culture centered on care, inclusiveness, and empowerment. Our decentralized teams work closely with customers to deliver tailored innovations that benefit both the customers and our planet. If you are passionate, cooperative, and eager to contribute to a sustainable future, come and grow with Volvo Group.