Safety Risk and Assurance Manager

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking an experienced Safety, Risk and Assurance Manager to lead department-wide safety risk and assurance frameworks, reporting to the Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing. You will drive governance, compliance and mature safety culture across the organisation.

You will develop and implement assurance programs, oversee risk management practices and provide expert advice to support informed decisions across a large,

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safety risk management, assurance, governance or compliance within a large/complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, regulations, standards and best practice.
• Experience developing and embedding safety risk and assurance frameworks in a large organisation.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders across diverse functions.
• Experience leading assurance activities, audits or verification programs; Lead Auditor qualifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of safety risk and assurance frameworks across the department.
• Oversee safety risk management practices and assurance programs; provide expert advice for decision-making.
• Influence executive leaders and business groups to strengthen safety governance and drive improvements.
• Support a mature safety culture across metropolitan, regional and remote locations.
• Report to the Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing and collaborate with WHS professionals.

Skills

WHS risk management

Safety governance

Audits & verification

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Leadership & people management

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead safety assurance, influence organisational risk, and help create safer workplaces across NSW
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Parramatta, Sydney or Newcastle preferred (other NSW locations may be considered by negotiation)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super
  

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Safety, Risk and Assurance Manager to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of safety risk and assurance frameworks across the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence safety performance at a whole-of-department level, working closely with executive leaders, WHS professionals and business groups to strengthen safety governance, drive compliance and embed a mature and contemporary safety culture.

Reporting to the Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, you will lead department-wide safety assurance programs that provide senior leadership with confidence in the effectiveness of the safety management system. You will develop and implement assurance frameworks, oversee safety risk management practices, and provide expert advice to support informed decision‑making across a large and geographically dispersed workforce.

The role offers a unique opportunity to influence organisational strategy, collaborate across a diverse operational and regulatory environment, and drive improvements that enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of employees working across metropolitan, regional and remote locations.

About You

You are a proven WHS leader with extensive experience in safety risk management, assurance, governance or compliance within a complex organisation. You bring a strong understanding of contemporary safety management systems and are passionate about using assurance and risk insights to drive meaningful organisational improvement.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have demonstrated experience developing and embedding safety risk and assurance frameworks within a large or complex organisation.
• Possess strong knowledge of WHS legislation, regulations, standards and contemporary best practice.
• Possess strong knowledge and can demonstrate experience developing and implementing WHS Due Diligence frameworks across a large or complex organisation
• Be able to influence, engage and build credibility with senior leaders and stakeholders across diverse business functions.
• Have highly developed analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify systemic risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Demonstrate experience leading assurance activities, audits, reviews or verification programs that drive measurable safety improvements. Recognised Lead Auditor qualification in occupational health and safety management systems, such as ISO 45001 Lead Auditor training, or an equivalent recognised WHS auditing qualification is desirable
• Be an exceptional communicator who can translate complex technical information into clear and actionable advice.
• Enjoy leading teams, building capability and fostering a positive and collaborative safety culture.
  

This role will suit a strategic thinker who thrives on influencing change, improving organisational safety performance and delivering assurance outcomes that support a safer workplace for all.

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent experience
  

For more information read the full Role Description: Safety, Risk and Assurance Manager

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

Applications close Thursday 12th November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Paul Martyn-Director Health, Safety & Wellbeing via [e-mail] or on 0488 788 443

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.
• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.
  

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 553929).

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