Safety & Compliance Lead

Hawk Logistics; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawk Logistics is seeking a highly capable Safety & Compliance Lead to join our national Safety & Compliance function in Victoria. The role reports to the Head of Safety & Compliance and focuses on strengthening safety and compliance practices across operations.

The Senior Safety & Compliance Lead will guide technical safety decisions, coach staff, and collaborate with state teams, drivers and managers to address complex safety matters and improve organisational performance.

Qualifications

• Qualified in Work Health & Safety with suitable certifications.
• Proven experience in safety program leadership and audit activities.

Responsibilities

• Promote proactive safety culture and drive improvements across operations.
• Oversee HVNL, CoR, NHVAS, WHS/OHS compliance and client requirements.
• Lead complex incident investigations, identify root causes and action plans.
• Coordinate internal/external audits and ensure effectiveness of safety systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Safety & Compliance personnel.
• Collaborate with operations, drivers and stakeholders to address risks.
• Analyze safety data and report insights to senior management.
• Contribute to policy development and risk-management frameworks.
• Engage with regulators and maintain accreditation requirements.

Skills

Safety leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Incident investigation

Auditing

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Work Health & Safety qualification

Lead Auditor qualification

Incident investigation training

Tools

Electronic work diaries

Telematics systems

Safety management software

Job description

Hawk Logistics is seeking a highly capable, proactive and experienced Safety & Compliance Lead to join our national Safety & Compliance function.

This is an opportunity for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment, has a strong understanding of the heavy vehicle transport industry and is ready to take greater ownership of safety and compliance outcomes.

Based at our Victorian head office and reporting directly to the Head of Safety & Compliance, you will play a key role in overseeing and strengthening safety and compliance practices across our operations.

You will be expected to think critically, exercise sound judgement, influence operational decisions and contribute to developing a capable, accountable and proactive Safety & Compliance team.

About the Opportunity

As the Senior Safety & Compliance Lead, you will work closely with the Head of Safety & Compliance to support the effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the organisation's safety and compliance framework.

While based in Victoria, this position has a broader operational scope, providing technical guidance, leadership and oversight across operations.

You will collaborate with state-based Safety & Compliance personnel, driver trainers, operational managers, fleet and workshop teams, and other key stakeholders.

The role requires someone who can operate with a high degree of independence, manage competing priorities, make informed recommendations and confidently address complex safety and compliance matters.

You will also play an important role in coaching and developing Safety & Compliance personnel, building technical capability and supporting greater consistency across the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership & Culture: Promote a proactive safety culture, influence operational practices and drive continuous improvement across operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Oversee compliance with HVNL, Chain of Responsibility (CoR), NHVAS, WHS/OHS legislation and relevant industry and customer requirements.
• Incident Investigation & Risk Management: Lead complex investigations, identify root causes, assess operational risks and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Auditing & Assurance: Coordinate internal and external audits, monitor compliance performance and ensure the effectiveness of safety management systems and operational controls.
• Team Leadership & Development: Provide technical guidance, coaching and mentorship to S&C personnel, strengthening capability, accountability and consistency across operations.
• Operational Engagement: Collaborate with operational leaders, drivers and other stakeholders to identify risks, address non-compliance and implement practical safety solutions.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Analyse safety and compliance data, identify emerging trends and provide meaningful insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Systems & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and improvement of policies, procedures, risk management frameworks and compliance systems.
• Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement: Support regulatory investigations, accreditation requirements, customer compliance matters and engagement with relevant authorities.
• National Leadership Support: Work closely with the Head of Safety & Compliance to implement strategic initiatives, strengthen departmental performance and support the ongoing development of the national S&C function.

Highly Regarded

• Qualifications in Work Health & Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Risk Management or a related discipline.
• Lead Auditor qualifications or demonstrated management system auditing experience.
• Formal training in incident investigation methodologies.
• Experience within refrigerated transport, cold chain logistics or warehousing.
• Exposure to regulatory investigations, customer compliance audits or accreditation assessments.
• Experience supporting multi-site or interstate operations.
• Familiarity with electronic work diaries, telematics, compliance monitoring platforms and digital safety management systems.

The Person We Are Looking For

Technical knowledge is essential, but the way you approach challenges is equally important.

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership rather than waiting to be directed.
• Looks beyond immediate issues to identify underlying causes.
• Understands the operational realities of the transport industry.
• Can balance compliance obligations with practical and commercially sustainable solutions without compromising safety.
• Is comfortable having difficult conversations when necessary.
• Builds credibility through knowledge, consistency and professionalism.
• Can influence positive change without relying solely on positional authority.
• Is motivated by developing people and improving organisational performance.
• Recognises that effective safety management requires collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• We value individuals who are prepared to challenge the status quo, take initiative and contribute solutions — not simply identify problems.

Why Join Hawk Logistics?

• A senior role with meaningful responsibility and influence.
• Direct engagement with the Head of Safety & Compliance.
• Exposure to diverse and complex transport and logistics operations.
• The opportunity to influence safety culture and operational performance.
• A collaborative environment where technical expertise and initiative are valued.
• Opportunities to mentor and develop other professionals.
• The ability to contribute to the ongoing development of a national Safety & Compliance function.
• A role where your contribution can make a measurable difference to people, operations and organisational performance.

**All applicants must be entitled to work in Australia and be prepared to undergo a criminal history check, pre-employment medical and/or drug & alcohol testing as required.

P/L embraces and celebrates a variety of cultures. We continue to build a business that reflects the values of equality, built on the knowledge and understanding that everyone is welcome including, the First Nations Peoples, and those of all ages, genders and abilities.