Nicole Houghton
KwaZulu-Natal
Summary
Dynamic Safety, Health, Environment, and Sustainability leader recognized for transforming environmental management through strategic implementation of ISO 14001 systems and impactful dashboard development. Expertise in data governance and third-party assurance strengthens organizational compliance and operational integrity, driving alignment with sustainability reporting frameworks.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Non-Financial Analytical Reporting Coordinator
De Beers Group
01.2019 - Current
- Developed enterprise-level dashboards in Power BI to monitor key safety and sustainability metrics.
- Led validation and interpretation of ESG and operational risk data for informed decision-making.
- Strengthened data governance processes to enhance traceability and audit readiness for reports.
- Enhanced governance structures and reporting routines to improve oversight and compliance.
- Coordinated third-party assurance for SHE performance data, ensuring thorough reviews and site testing.
- Supported alignment of SHE performance with corporate risk appetite and strategic objectives.
- Supported cross-functional teams in achieving strategic goals and objectives effectively.
- Managed project timelines and schedules to ensure timely completion.
Systems & Assurance Senior Consultant
Shangoni
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Contracted to De Beers Safety & Sustainable Development team to enhance system maturity and ensure compliance with SHE protocols and assurance readiness.
- Updated risk assessments using Anglo’s Integrated Risk & Critical Controls Management Framework, identifying high-risk exposures and reinforcing preventive controls.
- Conducted Environmental Management System and legal compliance audits across mining operations, strengthening regulatory adherence and operational discipline.
- Refined emissions inventories and air quality management plans to align with climate and air quality standards.
Environmental Superintendent
De Beers Voorspoed Mine
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Implemented and continuously improved the Environmental Management System to enhance operational performance and regulatory compliance.
- Ensured sustained compliance with environmental authorisations, permits and legal requirements, maintaining strong relationships with regulators and communities.
- Led SHE programmes across water, biodiversity, air quality, waste, emissions, land rehabilitation and closure planning.
- Managed departmental budgets and contractors to deliver SHE projects, ensuring operational readiness and regulatory compliance.
- Providing and supporting environmental expertise towards environmental studies, impact assessments, specialist investigations and mine disposal due diligence processes.
- Implemented the Anglo American Social Way Standard, covering cultural heritage, grievance mechanisms, emergency response and social performance governance.
- Established structured change management processes integrating legal and SHE requirements for new or amended projects.
- Implemented and achieved full compliance with the Anglo American Minimum Permitting Requirements Standard.
- Supported rehabilitation and closure activities aligned with GISTM and Anglo closure guidance.
- Strengthened incident reporting and root-cause analysis, integrating risk management strategies to improve overall safety performance.
- Delivered SHE training and improved contractor capability through structured governance routines.
- Executed large-scale community and environmental projects, enhancing alignment with Thriving Communities commitments.
- Served on the Standards Committee, contributing to governance and continuous improvement.
- Appointed Fire Captain for the Voorspoed Mine Team 3 emergency response team, ensuring operational readiness and emergency preparedness.
Environmental Officer
Harmony Gold Evander Operations
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Established and implemented environmental management system for surface and underground operations, achieving certification within eight months.
- Supervised rehabilitation of tailings facilities and exploration areas, enhancing land stewardship and water protection.
- Conducted environmental monitoring, incident investigations, and root-cause analyses, enhancing operational risk maturity.
- Updated emergency preparedness plans for fire response, tailings spills, and environmental risks.
- Strengthened data governance and reporting, ensuring alignment with corporate compliance requirements.
- Built relationships with regulators and communities, fostering compliance and awareness initiatives.
- Served as deputy fire master for 6,000-hectare grassland operations, supporting wildfire response and emergency readiness.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Environmental Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Pretoria12-2026
Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) -
National Nuclear Regulators
Gauteng01-2010
BSc - Natural Science (Zoology and Botany)
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Pretoria01-2007
Nature Conservation Certificate -
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria01-2005
Diploma in Game Ranging & Lodge Management -
Allenby Campus
Gauteng01-1998
Skills
- Analytical reporting
- Data analysis
- Data visualization
- Excel development
- Risk assessment
- Project management and work planning
- Environmental compliance
- Stakeholder engagement
- Effective communication and problem-solving
References
- Gavin Anderson, +974 44778149, Gavin.Anderson@qatarsteel.com.qa
- Nivesh Nagar, +27 83 778 6220, Nivesh.Nagar@debeersgroup.com
Certificates Courses
- 2026, ESG Reporting by the ESG Institute, Micro MBA by MBA ASAP (John Cousin)
- 2009 - 2020, Isometrix Certificate of Attendance ADM4-1 Introduction to Isometrix and ADM4-2 Isometrix Administrator, Essential Skills for Project Managers Certificate by Themba Thandeka Leadership Institute, Environmental Management System Transition Auditor, A3 Safety Risk Management Process (Anglo American), Environmental Management System Transition Certificate, National Certificate: Management Level 3 (Certificate of Competence (SAQA), Certificate of Participation: De Beers WETT Training Course, Environmental Risk Assessment & Management based on ISO 31000: 2009, Supervisory Learnership (NQF3), Statement of Competence, National Certificate: Management by Organisation Development International (ODI), Introduction to Integrated Waste Management for Environmental Managers, Environmental Impact Assessment - A Practical Approach, Implementation of Environmental Management System ISO14001, Lead Auditors’ Course: Environmental Management System ISO 14001, Integrated Water Resource Management in the Context of South African Legislation, A2 Safety Risk Management Process (Anglo American), Rope Rescue Technician One – Emergency Training Solutions ETS (Certificate C000220540/28), Certificate of Attendance: Waste Management Workshop, Carin Bosman Sustainable Solutions, Advance Fire Fighting Course Impact Emergency Services and Training Centre (Certificate 10078), Environmental Law for Environmental Managers, Certificate of Attendance of a short course in Environmental Legal Training, Certificate of Attendance, Frazer Alexander Tailings Training Course (Shangoni Management Services)
Timeline
Non-Financial Analytical Reporting Coordinator
De Beers Group
01.2019 - Current
Systems & Assurance Senior Consultant
Shangoni
01.2018 - 01.2019
Environmental Superintendent
De Beers Voorspoed Mine
01.2011 - 01.2018
Environmental Officer
Harmony Gold Evander Operations
01.2009 - 01.2011
BSc (Hons) - Environmental Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) -
National Nuclear Regulators
BSc - Natural Science (Zoology and Botany)
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Nature Conservation Certificate -
Tshwane University of Technology
Diploma in Game Ranging & Lodge Management -
Allenby Campus