Job Title: WHS Manager (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Salary: $135,417 - $143,738+ Superannuation (17.5%)
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Potential for Extension)

About the Role:

The University is seeking an experienced and dynamic WHS Manager to lead and manage the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing (HSW) function at the University, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) Faculties. This role is ideal for a highly motivated professional with strong leadership and interpersonal skills who is passionate about driving cultural and operational change within a complex academic environment.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Faculty staff to lead a transformation in the perception of safety across these Faculty, aiming to foster a proactive, integrated, and innovative safety culture. This role will be key to enabling positive change across the University while managing a team of up to 6 direct reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety Leadership & Transformation: Lead the development and implementation of a new safety perception model across Faculties. Foster a safety culture that is proactive, inclusive, and supportive, ensuring safety becomes part of the DNA across all operations.
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 6 direct reports, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance, engagement, and professional growth.
• Change Management: Act as an enabler for change, leading the safety transformation initiatives across the Faculties you support. Support leadership in the transition to new safety practices and engage stakeholders in the process.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, positive relationships across all levels of the organisation, particularly with academic and professional teams. Influence and communicate effectively to promote safety as a core value.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership, external bodies, and other departments to ensure alignment and integration of HSW priorities within broader organisational goals.
• Safety Systems & Compliance: Oversee the implementation and management of safety systems and ensure compliance with OHS legislation, policies, and standards. Regularly review and update safety protocols, reporting mechanisms, and risk assessments.
• Auditing & Reporting: Conduct internal safety audits, prepare reports, and ensure continuous improvement. Provide feedback and recommendations to improve safety processes and reduce risks.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in health and safety, and to contribute to the development of others within the HSW team.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Qualifications & Experience:
• A relevant tertiary qualification (Health & Safety, Allied Health Professional, Engineering, or related field). Advanced qualifications or certifications (e.g., AIHS) are preferred.
• A minimum of Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or related fields (additional qualifications are highly desirable).
• Experience in a leadership role is required, it is preferred if this is within an academic or large organizational setting, healthcare or allied health context.
• Proven track record of implementing change management initiatives, particularly in safety culture transformation.
• Experience managing and developing teams, with a focus on creating an inclusive, high-performing environment.
• Technical Expertise:
• Strong understanding of HSW standards, safety legislation, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with safety auditing and reporting practices, including ISO45001.
• Knowledge of the challenges and needs within a health, education, or research setting is an advantage.
• Personal Attributes:
• Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate teams and individuals across various departments. A strong personality with confidence and assertiveness is essential.
• Excellent Communication & Relationship Building: Ability to build strong working relationships and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Innovative & Curious: A diverse thinker who brings fresh ideas and new perspectives to drive safety initiatives and organizational change.
• Commitment to Safety Excellence: A passion for creating and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Additional Requirements:
• Working with Children Check is mandatory.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and adapt to a fast-changing environment.
• High level of initiative and self-management.

What's On Offer:

• Salary: $135,000 - $145,000 plus superannuation (17.5%).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for upskilling and career growth within the University.
• Dynamic & Supportive Environment: Work alongside passionate professionals committed to safety excellence and transformation.
• Potential for Extension: This role will be reviewed after 12 months with potential for extension depending on performance and business needs.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your updated resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the key selection criteria and your approach to leading safety transformation within a complex organization.

Note: This is a trial role with no relocation package or visa sponsorship available. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia will be considered.

This University is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

Fergal Flanagan
Recruitment Consultant

ManpowerGroup is committed to being a Diversity Confident Recruiter and encourages applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including people with a disability. Please indicate your preferred method of communication in your resume and please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments should you be contacted for an interview.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

By submitting your resume and other personal information with this application you are consenting to this information being collected in line with our privacy policy. Follow the link to learn more - www.manpowergroup.com.au/privacy-policy

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