Job Description
Step into a transformative leadership role with our client and shape the future of health, safety, and wellbeing across a dynamic, large-scale and diverse NZ organisation. Known for fostering a culture of care, collaboration, and strategic impact, our client is committed to delivering positive change for their people, partners, and the public.
Role Overview:
As the Head of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, you’ll provide strategic direction and leadership in HS&W, working closely with senior executive leaders to build a robust culture of safety, and take it to the next level from Good to Great.
Reporting to the Chief of People, Culture & Safety this pivotal role leading a team of 20, combines strategy and operational delivery, ensuring excellence in health and safety practices, systems, and risk management to safeguard our client’s people and everyone they work with.
Key Responsibilities:
- Shape & Drive Strategy: Lead and refine the organisation-wide HS&W strategy, instilling a strong safety leadership agenda and championing a proactive approach to risk management, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.
- Embed Kaitiakitanga: Champion environmental stewardship (kaitiakitanga) by integrating Te Hiringa o Te Taiao, the resource efficiency strategy, into the organisation’s safety framework. This commitment underscores the responsibility to look after the environment to ensure it can, in turn, sustain us and future generations.
- Provide Expert Advice: Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive, Board, and Executive Leadership Team, ensuring compliance and a culture of care in all operational facets.
- Foster Accountability & Capability: Build leadership capability in HS&W by coaching and supporting managers, facilitating training, and driving continuous improvement.
- Risk & Compliance Oversight: Oversee risk assessments, incident management, and compliance processes, ensuring timely solutions to critical safety and environmental risks and maintaining ACC Partnership Programme standards.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Cultivate relationships across the organisation and with external partners, influencing HS&W practices and aligning with industry standards and community expectations.
About You:
- Demonstrated leadership experience in HS&W within complex, large-scale organisations such as the infrastructure or transport sectors, and ideally within a commercial environment so you can bring a commercial mindset.
- Strong knowledge of New Zealand’s HS&W legislation, with a focus on strategic risk management, cultural transformation, and environmental responsibility.
- Proven ability to engage and influence at all organisational levels, from the board to frontline leaders; you are politically adept, with experience championing a whole-of-organisation approach to safety.
- A collaborative, values-based leader with a passion for creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.
- Flexibility to travel, once or twice a month between Auckland and Wellington and other locations across New Zealand but mostly Taupo North.
For You:
- The opportunity is all about culture, leadership and influence to drive impactful HS&W initiatives that make a tangible difference to the lives of all New Zealander; and this will excite you!
- A collaborative and inclusive culture that values your expertise and empowers you to create positive change!
- An attractive remuneration package and 5 weeks' annual leave!
- Flexible work options and ongoing professional development to support your career growth!
Ready to make an impact?
Join a great leadership team and lift the HSW team from good to great ....and be a key driver in shaping a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for all in New Zealand.
Apply NOW
or contact us for more information:
Sharon Ward Duncan, Senior Consultant
– 021 356 777
Bree Wesselink, Associate Consultant
– 021 026 05874
To apply for this role you MUST have appropriate working rights in New Zealand.