Head of HSEQ

seek.com.au; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

SEEK is seeking an experienced HSEQ Leader to take ownership of the national HSEQ function for commercial construction activities. You will drive safety performance, governance, and risk management in collaboration with senior leadership and site operations.

You will shape HSEQ strategy, embed proactive processes, and influence positive safety behaviours across the business while leading incident investigations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant senior HSEQ experience within commercial building and construction.
• Strong understanding of principal contractor obligations and site operations.
• Experience supporting complex commercial construction projects.
• Proven ability to influence senior operational stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation and construction risk management.
• Experience with ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 management systems.
• Balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational engagement.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and professional HSEQ credentials.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing the HSEQ strategy and framework.
• Driving safety leadership and accountability across projects.
• Partnering with Project Directors, Construction Managers and Site Managers.
• Overseeing risk management, high-risk construction activities, and critical controls.
• Strengthening subcontractor and principal contractor safety practices.
• Leading incident investigations, audits, assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with WHS legislation and Australian Standards.
• Maintaining and improving integrated HSEQ management systems.
• Providing performance reporting and strategic advice to leadership.
• Developing HSEQ capability and promoting safe behaviours.

Skills

Senior HSEQ experience

Construction industry knowledge

Stakeholder influence

ISO 45001/14001/9001

WH&S legislation

Education

Tertiary qualifications in HSEQ

Job description

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, with responsibility for leading the organisation's national HSEQ function, strategy, governance, and operational performance.

Lead safety. Influence performance. Drive excellence.

We are an established organisation is seeking an experienced HSEQ Leader with a strong commercial construction background to lead and strengthen its Health, Safety, Environment and Quality function.

This is an opportunity for a commercially minded HSEQ professional who understands the complexities of commercial construction and can work collaboratively with senior leadership and operational teams to drive safety performance, strengthen governance and embed a proactive risk management culture.

The Role

Working closely with senior leadership and construction operations, you will be responsible for providing strategic direction and operational oversight of the HSEQ function across commercial construction activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing the organisation's HSEQ strategy and framework.
• Driving safety leadership and accountability across construction projects.
• Partnering with Project Directors, Construction Managers and Site Managers.
• Providing oversight of project risk management, high-risk construction activities, and critical controls.
• Strengthening subcontractor and principal contractor safety management practices.
• Leading incident investigations, audits, assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with WHS legislation, regulations, and relevant Australian Standards.
• Maintaining and improving integrated HSEQ management systems.
• Providing meaningful performance reporting and strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Developing HSEQ capability and influencing positive safety behaviours across the business.

About You

You are an established HSEQ professional with a proven track record within commercial construction environments.

You will bring:

• Significant senior HSEQ experience within commercial building and construction.
• Strong understanding of principal contractor obligations and construction site operations.
• Experience supporting complex commercial construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior operational stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation and construction risk management.
• Experience with ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 management systems.
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with practical, hands‑on operational engagement.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and professional HSEQ credentials.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take ownership of an important business function and influence how HSEQ is delivered across our commercial construction operations.

You will work closely with senior leadership and have the opportunity, to shape organisational HSEQ strategy and drive meaningful improvements in safety, quality, and environmental performance.

Confidential Expressions of Interest

This is a confidential recruitment campaign. Further information regarding the organisation and opportunity will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

All applications and enquiries will be treated confidentially.