About
Highly accomplished and results-driven Group Environmental and Social Manager with over 17 years of progressive experience in environmental management, sustainability, and regulatory compliance across diverse industries. Proven expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive environmental strategies, conducting impact assessments, and leading initiatives that enhance sustainability and ensure adherence to national and international standards. Adept at stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and driving continuous improvement in environmental performance to achieve corporate sustainability goals.
Work
York Timbers
|Group Environmental and Social Manager
Sabie, Mpumalanga, South Africa
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Permanent
Summary
Environmental Compliance & Management Ensure compliance with all relevant South African environmental legislation, including: National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations Water Use Licenses (under the National Water Act, 1998) Air Quality Act (2004) Waste Act (2008) Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the company’s Environmental Management System (EMS), often aligned with ISO 14001 standards. Manage environmental audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all operational sites (plantations, mills, processing facilities). Prepare and submit statutory environmental reports to authorities such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Ensure adherence to sustainable forestry practices, including soil and water conservation, biodiversity protection, and invasive species control. 2. Sustainability & Certification Lead and maintain third-party forest certifications, such as: FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) Coordinate internal and external audits for certification bodies. Develop and implement sustainability strategies aligned with York Timbers’ corporate goals and international ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting standards. Monitor and report on carbon footprint, water usage, energy efficiency, and waste management. 3. Social Responsibility & Community Engagement Develop and manage Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) in accordance with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) requirements for commercial forestry. Facilitate meaningful engagement with local communities affected by forestry operations. Oversee community development projects, including education, health, infrastructure, and enterprise development initiatives. Address community grievances and ensure transparent communication. Promote local employment, skills development, and supplier development (B-BBEE) through social investment programs. 4. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, NGOs, regulators, and traditional leadership structures. Prepare annual sustainability reports and contribute to ESG disclosures. Represent York Timbers at industry forums, public consultations, and environmental hearings. Manage relationships with certification auditors, consultants, and environmental practitioners. 5. Environmental Risk & Incident Management Lead the response to environmental incidents (e.g., fires, spills, illegal logging). Implement environmental emergency preparedness plans. Conduct environmental due diligence for new projects or land acquisitions. Monitor climate change risks and adaptation strategies in forestry operations. 6. Team Leadership & Governance Provide strategic direction and mentorship to regional environmental officers and social development coordinators. Collaborate with other departments (Operations, HR, Legal, Forestry) to integrate environmental and social considerations into business planning.
Murray and Dickson Construction
|Group Environmental Manager
Bryanston, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Currently leading comprehensive environmental strategies and ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse construction projects to drive corporate sustainability.
Highlights
Developed and implemented comprehensive environmental strategies, significantly enhancing sustainability across multiple project sites.
Maintained and enhanced ISO 14001-compliant Environmental Management Systems (EMS), ensuring superior standards and continuous improvement.
Spearheaded pollution control, waste management, and renewable energy initiatives, aligning operations with corporate sustainability goals.
Ensured accurate and timely environmental performance reporting to internal and external stakeholders, fostering transparency and accountability.
Oversaw environmental incident reporting and developed corrective action plans within 48 hours to mitigate risks and maintain compliance.
Kimopax
|Senior Environmental Consultant
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Provided expert environmental consultancy, managing client relationships and navigating complex regulatory landscapes to ensure project compliance and performance.
Highlights
Managed key client relationships, providing technical advisory services that enhanced environmental performance for diverse projects.
Successfully liaised with regulatory bodies (e.g., DWS, Waste Bureau, DFFE) to secure and manage essential environmental licenses and permits.
Conducted comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and facilitated public participation processes, effectively mitigating environmental risks.
Analyzed complex environmental data to identify trends in resource utilization and emissions performance, informing strategic improvements.
Tsiko Earth Sciences
|Environmental Scientist
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Executed high-quality environmental assessments and managed contaminated land projects, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective project delivery.
Highlights
Prepared technical specifications and conducted high-quality environmental assessments, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
Coordinated with external specialists, enhancing project delivery and technical robustness across multiple environmental initiatives.
Conducted thorough site assessments for contaminated land, engaged with stakeholders, and developed effective remediation plans.
Managed contaminated land projects, including comprehensive budgeting and strategic resource allocation.
Performed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and compiled Basic Assessments and Scoping EIA Reports in strict adherence to NEMA legislation.
ERM
|Environmental Consultant
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Specialized in contaminated land assessments and data tracking, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
Highlights
Conducted detailed contaminated land assessments, effectively managing stakeholder engagement and developing robust remediation plans.
Developed and implemented data tracking systems for water use and air emissions, enhancing environmental monitoring capabilities.
Collaborated proactively with engineering and maintenance teams, promptly addressing non-compliance issues to maintain regulatory adherence.
GEO Pollution Technologies
|Environmental Scientist
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Implemented rigorous calibration programs and led environmental audits to ensure data accuracy and drive compliance with environmental legislation.
Highlights
Implemented stringent calibration programs for environmental monitoring equipment, ensuring high data accuracy and reliability.
Led comprehensive environmental audits and developed strategic improvement plans, significantly enhancing compliance with legislation.
Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers
|Environmental Scientist
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Managed complex contaminated land projects, overseeing budgeting and resource allocation while developing targeted remediation strategies.
Highlights
Managed multiple contaminated land projects, encompassing full lifecycle from budgeting to resource allocation and remediation plan development, ensuring project success.
BKS (now Aecom)
|Environmental Scientist
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Managed environmental authorization processes and compiled critical assessment reports to ensure project approval and regulatory adherence.
Highlights
Managed complex environmental authorization processes, ensuring timely approval for various projects.
Compiled comprehensive Basic Assessments and Scoping EIA Reports in full compliance with NEMA legislation.
Mills & Otten Environmental Consultants
|Junior Environmental Consultant
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Prepared environmental management reports, collected critical data, and facilitated public participation for EIA projects.
Highlights
Prepared detailed environmental management program reports, supporting project planning and execution.
Collected essential data for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and supported the preparation of comprehensive reports.
Facilitated public participation processes for EIA projects, ensuring transparent stakeholder engagement.
Conducted groundwater monitoring and soil contamination assessments, providing critical environmental insights.
Education
University of Johannesburg
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Certificate
Geology
Courses
Geological Survey Methods
Mineral Resources Management
University of Venda
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BSc
Environmental Sciences
Courses
Environmental Science Principles
Ecology and Conservation
Environmental Management Systems
Languages
English
Venda
Zulu
Tsonga
Sepedi
Skills
Environmental Management & Compliance
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), ISO 14001 EMS Implementation, Pollution Control, Waste Management, Renewable Energy Initiatives, Environmental Compliance Auditing, Regulatory Liaison (DWS, Waste Bureau, DFFE), Environmental Authorization Processes, Environmental Monitoring Programs, Contaminated Land Assessment, Remediation Planning, Sustainability Strategy Development, NEMA Legislation.
Project Management & Leadership
Project Delivery, Budgeting & Resource Allocation, Stakeholder Engagement, Public Participation Processes, Cross-functional Collaboration, Team Leadership, Incident Reporting & Corrective Actions.
Data Analysis & Reporting
Environmental Data Analysis, Performance Reporting, Technical Specifications & Reports, Data Tracking Systems (Water/Air Emissions), Trend Identification.
Software Proficiency
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Project.
Professional Registrations
SACNASP (Certified Natural Scientist), EAPASA (Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner - in progress).
References
Lufuno Nengwani
Senior Environmental Scientist, Kimopax, 082 832 9378
Stanford Muthala
Director, Tsiko Earth Sciences, 082 071 1215