Safety & Wellbeing Manager

Hazeldenes Chicken Farm; City of Greater Bendigo; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Bendigo is seeking a Safety & Wellbeing Manager to join its senior leadership team. The role involves leading safety compliance and wellbeing initiatives across the farming and production sectors. Candidates should have expertise in OHS/WHS and a strong understanding of legislation in high-risk environments. This position offers an attractive salary package and the chance for career growth within a reputable organization.

Benefits

Employee discounts

Health & wellbeing programs

Onsite parking

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in OHS/WHS within FMCG or high-risk manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation and psychosocial hazards.
• Experience managing contractor safety and return-to-work programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of health, safety, and wellbeing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with WHS/OHS legislation and food safety standards.
• Oversee risk assessments and incident investigations.

Skills

Leadership in OHS/WHS

Knowledge of WHS legislation

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Training delivery skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety

Tools

Digital safety management systems

Job description

Add expected salary to your profile for insights

• Senior Leadership Role | FMCG / Food Manufacturing
• Attractive remuneration aligned with skills & experience
• Lead safety, wellbeing, and compliance across production & farming networks

Our Company

Incorporated in 1938, Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm is a leading FMCG company headquartered in Lockwood (Bendigo), Victoria. At Hazeldenes, we have more than 80 years of history underpinning how we proudly go about our business. It is not just about our delicious chickens, innovation, and commitment to quality. It is about our people doing extraordinary things to deliver great products.

At Hazeldenes, we are proud of our people, our reputation, and our place in the community. From humble beginnings in Kangaroo Flat in Bendigo, our facilities have spread across rural Victoria. Our people come from many different cultures and backgrounds and have skills ranging from farming and quality control to engineering and poultry processing.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Safety & Wellbeing Manager to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role, driving compliance, safety culture, and wellbeing outcomes across both farming and production operations.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our safety, health, and wellbeing strategies. You will partner with senior leaders, frontline teams, and external regulators to build a proactive, “safety-first” culture that protects and supports our people every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of health, safety, and wellbeing strategies across farming and production networks.
• Ensure compliance with WHS/OHS legislation, codes of practice, and food industry safety standards.
• Manage psychosocial risks (e.g., stress, fatigue, bullying) in line with updated WorkSafe legislation.
• Oversee risk assessments, audits, inspections, and incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Implement process safety controls for high-risk operations (chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, ammonia refrigeration).
• Drive contractor and labour-hire safety management, ensuring compliance prior to site access.
• Oversee emergency preparedness and crisis response planning.
• Deliver training, toolbox talks, and safety awareness programs that engage all levels of the workforce.
• Support return-to-work and injury management processes in partnership with HR and insurers.
• Promote mental health and wellbeing through targeted programs and initiatives.
• Lead consultation with HSRs, safety committees, and frontline staff to strengthen safety engagement.
• Use digital tools, dashboards, and analytics to monitor safety performance and identify trends.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports, including LTIs, near misses, and corrective action close-out.
• Embed safety leadership into continuous improvement frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Represent Hazeldenes in audits, regulatory reviews, and industry forums.

About You

• Proven leadership experience in OHS / WHS within FMCG, food, or other high-risk manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, psychosocial hazards, and process safety.
• Experience managing contractor safety, labour-hire compliance, and return-to-work programs.
• Skilled in risk management, incident investigation, and safety system development.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and training delivery skills.
• Confident using digital safety management systems, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety, Risk Management, or related discipline.
• Attractive salary package.
• Opportunity to shape the safety and wellbeing strategy of a leading FMCG employer.
• Career growth and development in a respected, values-driven organisation.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Employee discounts, health & wellbeing programs, and onsite parking.
• Work with a proud Australian company that’s been innovating for more than 80 years.

How to Apply

If you’re a forward-thinking safety leader who is passionate about protecting people and building a proactive safety culture in a fast-paced FMCG environment, we want to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume and cover letter.

Hazeldenes proudly supports a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.