Safety Lead Cobram

Andrews Meat; Cobram; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A major food processing company in Cobram is seeking a Safety Lead to oversee safety functions and promote a safety-first culture. The ideal candidate will have tertiary qualifications in Safety, strong knowledge of compliance legislation, and the ability to influence teams at all levels. Responsibilities include risk assessments, managing safety systems, and driving operational excellence. This role offers a dynamic work environment focused on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong drive for operational excellence.
• Experience in managing safety change initiatives.
• Ability to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational decisions applying Safety/Quality/Productivity framework.
• Conduct risk assessments for new processes.
• Manage and improve safety systems.

Skills

Knowledge of Vic OH&S

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Safety or related discipline

Job description

Safety Lead Cobram

JBS Australia’s Southern Division, headquartered in Melbourne, has the largest multi-species processing facility in Australia, processing beef, sheep, and goats. JBS Southern processing facilities have access to all major international markets, providing our livestock suppliers with a range of markets and brand opportunities.

Effectively partner with and support the business in leading and managing the safety function and team, enabling the achievement of Cobram's and Southern's business goals by embedding a safety-first approach and taking a leading role in providing best practice and affordable safety systems and investments. Lead, coach, guide & support effective Operational Decision Making through the prioritisation of Safety, Quality & Productivity considerations when implementing Plant/Facility Change. Lead and influence Operational Decision-Making through the application of our Decision-Making Framework (Safety/Quality/Productivity), to be applied when considering all Plant operational/production improvements/changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and influence operational decisions by applying our Safety/Quality/Productivity framework to all plant improvements and changes.
• Conduct and oversee risk assessments for new processes, systems, or procedures, ensuring safety implications are identified and addressed.
• Collaborate with Safety Coordinators and Representatives to embed proactive safety measures and compliance into operational planning.
• Champion a safety-first culture by engaging teams on the floor, driving awareness, and promoting accountability at all levels.
• Manage and continuously improve safety systems and processes, ensuring they are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with best practice standards.
• Monitor, report, and act on safety performance metrics, including near misses, hazards, and incidents, to drive continuous improvement.
• Support change management initiatives by integrating safety considerations into productivity and quality improvement projects.
• Develop and implement succession planning and talent strategies within the safety function to build capability and retain top talent.
• Provide expert advice and coaching to leaders and teams on safety issues, compliance requirements, and cultural improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with JBS Australia WHS practices, and foster shared responsibility for safety across all levels of the business.
• Perform other duties as directed, including support during external audits and sampling activities

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a strong drive for operational excellence.

You'll bring to the table;

• Tertiary qualifications in Safety or related discipline (post‑grad encouraged).
• Strong knowledge of Vic OH&S and WH&S Harmonised Legislation.
• Ability to influence at all levels – from frontline to corporate.
• Experience in managing safety change initiatives and embedding cultural improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong planning, organisational, and diagnostic capabilities.