Head of HSE - Defence & Maritime-Defence - Corporate

Serco; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Serco Australia is seeking a strategic Head of HSE – Defence & Maritime to lead Health, Safety and Environment across a complex, multi-site portfolio. You will work closely with operational leaders, customers and specialist teams to ensure people return home safely while driving continuous HSE improvement.

This senior role balances governance with practical operations, developing HSE programs, managing risk, and building a high-performing team through coaching and strong stakeholder engagement

Qualifications

• Significant senior HSE leadership experience in complex operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, HSE management systems and risk management practices.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and driving organisational change.
• Proven success improving HSE performance through leadership, governance and assurance programs.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills.
• A formal HSE qualification at Diploma level or above.

Responsibilities

• Leading the implementation and continuous improvement of HSE programs across Defence and Maritime operations.
• Providing strategic advice and guidance to operational and contract leadership teams.
• Driving governance, assurance, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Monitoring HSE performance, identifying emerging risks and delivering improvement initiatives.
• Building trusted relationships with customers, regulators and key stakeholders.
• Coaching and developing HSE professionals to foster a high-performing team culture.

Skills

HSE leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & risk

WHS knowledge

Education

Diploma in HSE or equivalent

Job description

Head of HSE - Defence & Maritime-Defence - Corporate

Your impact makes a meaningful difference, and we're committed to supporting your professional and personal goals.

You'll also have access to a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and career, including:

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Opportunities to influence enterprise-wide outcomes

Professional development and leadership support

Access to Employee Networks and inclusion initiatives

Long-term career opportunities across multiple sectors

A culture built on trust, care, innovation and pride

Make an impact at Serco

As Head of HSE – Defence & Maritime, you'll provide strategic leadership across Health, Safety and Environment operations within a complex and diverse portfolio. Working closely with operational leaders, customers and specialist teams, you'll help ensure our people return home safely, risks are effectively managed, and HSE performance continues to improve. This is a highly influential leadership role where you'll balance governance with operational realities while driving a strong safety culture across the business.

As the Head of HSE – Defence & Maritime in the Health, Safety & Environment team, you'll make a positive impact by:

Leading the implementation and continuous improvement of HSE programs across Defence and Maritime operations

Providing strategic advice and guidance to operational and contract leadership teams

Driving governance, assurance, risk management and compliance frameworks

Monitoring HSE performance, identifying emerging risks and delivering improvement initiatives

Building trusted relationships with customers, regulators and key stakeholders

Coaching and developing HSE professionals to foster a high-performing team culture

Serco is a place for you

You could be a great fit if you have:

Significant senior HSE leadership experience in complex, multi-site operational environments

Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, HSE management systems and risk management practices

Experience influencing senior leaders and driving organisational change

Proven success improving HSE performance through leadership, governance and assurance programs

Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship-building skills

A formal HSE qualification at Diploma level or above

In joining us, you'll be part of a highly supportive culture with trusted leaders who will help you achieve your goals. Here, you'll enjoy a flexible approach to work-life balance while working for an organisation with long-term government-backed contracts and meaningful opportunities to make an impact.

Are you ready to do important work that really matters?

At Serco, we bring together the right people, the right technology, and the right partners to create impactful solutions that address some of the world’s most urgent and complex challenges.

We focus on serving governments across the globe. The work we do touches the lives of millions in Australia and New Zealand and offers unique opportunities to apply your skills across our core capabilities in Health, Defence, Maritime, Justice and Community Services.

We seek and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ people, veterans and people with disability.

By joining Serco, you'll have access to Employee Networks led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.