HSE - Projects Leader

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection in Canberra ACT is seeking an experienced Work Health and Safety (WHS) Lead/Manager – Projects for a 12‑month contract with potential extension, within a leading defence technology group. This role focuses on delivering priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business, not day‑to‑day site safety management.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead projects from assessment through design, implementation and handover, covering chemical

Qualifications

• Experience delivering WHS projects within a complex regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of Commonwealth WHS Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice and WHS principles.
• Formal qualification in WHS, OHS or risk management.
• Project management qualification or proven track record.
• Experience with ISO 45001-aligned WHS management systems.
• Australian citizenship with Baseline Security Clearance and ability to obtain NV1.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of safety improvement projects from assessment to handover.
• Hazardous chemical management with framework reviews and controls.
• Update emergency plans and support exercises.
• Improve contractor safety onboarding, induction, and risk assessment.
• Establish training and competency verification for safety-critical roles.
• Review and update WHS policies and documents to align with workflows.
• Develop project plans, milestones and governance for project delivery.

Skills

WHS management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Hazardous chemicals management

Emergency planning

ISO 45001 knowledge

Defence/regulated sector experience

Education

Diploma/Degree in WHS/OHS or risk management

Job description

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection – Canberra ACT

• 12-Month Contract (with extension potential)
• Leading Defence Technology Group

About the Opportunity

Our client is a well-established, highly regarded organisation operating in Canberra's defence and technology sector. As part of a continued investment in workplace safety, they are seeking an experienced Work Health and Safety (WHS) Lead/Manager – Projects to lead and deliver a defined program of priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business.

This is a hands‑on, individual‑contributor role for an experienced WHS professional who enjoys taking projects from initial assessment through to design, consultation, implementation and handover — rather than a day‑to‑day site safety management position.

They are very focused on their values and teamwork, sharing ideas and celebrating team success, respecting every role and person in the business, and growing whilst retaining this positive workplace model.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief People Officer and working closely with the internal WHSE team, operational leaders, employees and contractors, you will lead a portfolio of safety improvement projects, including:

• Hazardous chemical management – reviewing and strengthening the chemical management framework, registers, safety data sheets and controls
• Emergency planning and response – updating emergency management plans, emergency response procedures, and supporting emergency exercises
• Contractor safety management – improving contractor on‑boarding, induction, prequalification, risk assessment and implementing a contractor safety verification program
• Training and verification of competency – establishing frameworks for WHS training, licensing, competency recording and verification for safety‑critical roles
• WHS management system documentation – reviewing and updating WHS policies, procedures, work instructions and supporting documentation to align with current work flow processes
• Project delivery governance – developing project plans, milestones and reporting, and transitioning completed projects to business‑as‑usual owners

About You

• Demonstrated experience delivering WHS projects within a complex operational, engineering, manufacturing, construction or similarly regulated environment
• Strong working knowledge of the Commonwealth WHS Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice and contemporary WHS management principles
• Practical experience in one or more: hazardous chemicals management, contractor safety assurance, emergency management, WHS document review or verification of competency frameworks
• Proven ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational solutions, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Relevant tertiary or diploma‑level qualification in WHS, OHS, risk management or a related discipline
• A pragmatic, collaborative approach and the ability to work independently and drive projects to completion
• Formal project management qualification or demonstrated project delivery track record
• Experience within an ISO 45001‑aligned WHS management system
• Experience in defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering or another highly regulated sector
• Experience with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods management

Essential: Due to the nature of this engagement, applicants must be Australian citizens who already have a Baseline Security Clearance and willing to secure an NV1 security clearances.