Director, Safety & Wellbeing (EL2)

ManpowerGroup; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

ManpowerGroup in Canberra, ACT is seeking a Director, Work Health & Safety (EL2) to lead the WHS function at an executive level. This role shapes safety strategy, governance and risk management within a complex, high-visibility environment.

You will influence senior leaders, drive safety culture and oversee rehab and return-to-work programs, while guiding a team of WHS professionals toward measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading enterprise-wide WHS functions.
• Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation, governance frameworks and risk management.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and drive organisational change.
• Experience developing safety cultures that deliver measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on all aspects of Work Health & Safety, wellbeing and rehabilitation.
• Develop and implement enterprise-wide WHS strategies, frameworks, policies and programs.
• Lead organisational safety culture initiatives that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with WHS legislation, regulations and industry best practice.
• Oversee incident management, investigations, risk mitigation and corrective action programs.
• Lead rehabilitation and return-to-work programs, ensuring effective case management and positive employee outcomes.
• Partner with senior executives to identify emerging risks and implement proactive safety solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, regulators, industry bodies and service providers.
• Prepare high-level briefing papers, executive reports, governance documentation and strategic recommendations.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.

Skills

Strategic leadership

WHS governance

Stakeholder engagement

Executive communication

Change management

Job description

Director, Work Health & Safety (EL2)

Canberra, ACT | Executive Leadership Opportunity

The Opportunity

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced WHS leader to join a nationally significant organisation in a pivotal executive role. This position offers the chance to influence organisational strategy, drive safety excellence, and lead a mature Work Health & Safety function within a complex and highly visible operating environment.

Working closely with senior executives and key stakeholders, you will shape the organisation's approach to safety, wellbeing, compliance and risk management while leading a team of dedicated WHS professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on all aspects of Work Health & Safety, wellbeing and rehabilitation.
• Develop and implement enterprise-wide WHS strategies, frameworks, policies and programs.
• Lead organisational safety culture initiatives that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with relevant WHS legislation, regulations and industry best practice.
• Oversee incident management, investigations, risk mitigation and corrective action programs.
• Lead rehabilitation and return-to-work programs, ensuring effective case management and positive employee outcomes.
• Partner with senior executives to identify emerging risks and implement proactive safety solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, regulators, industry bodies and service providers.
• Prepare high-level briefing papers, executive reports, governance documentation and strategic recommendations.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.

About You

You are a strategic and influential WHS leader with a proven track record of operating at a senior management or executive level within complex organisations.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading enterprise-wide WHS functions.
• Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation, governance frameworks and risk management practices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive organisational change.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering strategic outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and executive communication skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to navigate complex environments.
• Experience developing safety cultures that deliver measurable results.

Why Apply?

• Rare executive leadership opportunity.
• Shape the future direction of safety and wellbeing within a nationally significant organisation.
• Influence decision-making at the highest levels.
• Drive meaningful organisational change and leave a lasting impact.
• Lead a highly capable team in a complex and dynamic environment.

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