HSE Lead

Austal-7; Cockburn; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation & benefits

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Austal is seeking an experienced HSE Lead based in Henderson, WA, to provide leadership, guidance, and support to project teams across major Defence shipbuilding programs. You will drive health, safety, and environmental performance, mentor HSE Advisors, and ensure compliance with WHS legislation and corporate requirements.

Working with the HSE Manager and Project Team, you will develop training, lead audits and investigations, and embed a strong safety culture across operations, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Workplace Health & Safety or Environmental Management.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HSE advisory roles in high-risk environments.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience leading HSE teams.
• Extensive experience conducting management system audits across WHS and environmental disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, standards, and industry best practices.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement.
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support project HSE teams, ensuring high standards of conduct, performance, and compliance.
• Conduct assurance activities, audits, inspections, and risk management processes.
• Lead incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action management.
• Develop and deliver HSE training, awareness programs, and coaching initiatives.
• Partner with project teams and leaders to embed a strong safety culture.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and HSE performance outcomes.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Monitor compliance with WHS legislation, standards, and company requirements.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, customers, unions, and key stakeholders.
• Support injury management and return-to-work processes when required.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Coaching

Risk management

Incident investigations

Mentoring

Education

Tertiary qualification in WHS/Environmental Management

Job description

Based in Henderson, WA, the HSE Lead provides leadership, guidance, and support to project teams, driving health, safety, and environmental performance across major Defence shipbuilding programs. Working closely with the HSE Manager and the Project Team, you will lead HSE initiatives, mentor HSE Advisors, strengthen safety culture, and ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory, and corporate requirements.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. With operations spanning multiple sites, Austal offers diverse career opportunities in trades, maintenance, engineering support, project services, corporate functions and operational delivery.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Lead and support project HSE teams, ensuring high standards of conduct, performance, and compliance
• Conduct assurance activities, audits, inspections, and risk management processes
• Lead incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action management
• Develop and deliver HSE training, awareness programs, and coaching initiatives
• Partner with project teams and leaders to embed a strong safety culture
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and HSE performance outcomes
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and response plans
• Monitor compliance with WHS legislation, standards, and company requirements
• Build strong relationships with regulators, customers, unions, and key stakeholders
• Support injury management and return-to-work processes when required

You’ll Need

• Tertiary qualification in Workplace Health & Safety, Environmental Management, or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in HSE advisory roles within high-risk environments
• Minimum 2 years’ experience leading HSE teams
• Extensive experience conducting management system audits across WHS and environmental disciplines
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, standards, and industry best practices
• Demonstrated experience in coaching, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influence skills
• Experience leading incident investigations and risk management activities
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.