Senior WHS Advisor

Programmed Maintenance Services; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Programmed Maintenance Services – Altona VIC is seeking an experienced WHS Specialist to own Work Health & Safety across the Altona site while providing practical HR and employee relations support to managers and staff. You will drive continuous improvement, strengthen safety culture and ensure site compliance in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

You will lead the WHS management system, conduct risk assessments, guide incident investigations and manage workers’ compensation and

Qualifications

• Experience in WHS management or advisory role.
• Experience in manufacturing, food production, warehousing or similar industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, risk management and safety systems.
• Experience managing incident investigations, workers compensation and Return to Work processes.
• Exposure to HR, employee relations, performance management or industrial relations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the WHS management system on site.
• Provide practical safety guidance to managers, supervisors and employees.
• Conduct workplace inspections, audits, risk assessments and safety observations.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Manage workers compensation, injury management and return-to-work processes.
• Develop and deliver safety training, inductions and toolbox talks.
• Oversee contractor safety, emergency management and site compliance.
• Monitor safety performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Promote employee consultation and a proactive safety culture.
• Provide practical HR and employee relations support to managers.
• Assist with performance management, investigations and disciplinary matters.
• Support policies, procedures and legislation compliance.

Skills

WHS management

Incident investigations

Communication skills

People influence

Education

Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety

Job description

Programmed Maintenance Services – Altona VIC

We are excited to be partnering with a well-established Australian food manufacturing business to recruit an experienced WHS Specialist for its Altona operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on WHS professional who enjoys being visible on the floor, building relationships with operational teams and driving continuous improvement across a manufacturing environment.

Reporting to senior management, you will take ownership of Work Health & Safety across the site, while also providing practical HR and employee relations support to managers and employees.

You will play an important role in strengthening the site's safety culture, improving systems and processes, and supporting a positive and productive workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the site's WHS management system.
• Provide practical safety advice and guidance to managers, supervisors and employees.
• Conduct workplace inspections, audits, risk assessments and safety observations.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Manage workers compensation, injury management and Return to Work processes.
• Develop and deliver safety training, inductions, toolbox talks and safety initiatives.
• Oversee contractor safety, emergency management and site compliance.
• Monitor safety performance, identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Promote employee consultation and a proactive safety culture.
• Human Resources & Employee Relations
• Provide practical HR and employee relations support to operational managers.
• Assist with performance management, workplace investigations and disciplinary matters.
• Support employee consultation, workplace behaviour and grievance resolution.Provide guidance on employment policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Work collaboratively with management and HR resources on broader people-related matters.

About You

You are a practical, approachable and credible WHS professional who enjoys working closely with people across all levels of an organisation.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety or higher.
• At least five years' experience in a WHS management or advisory position.
• Experience within manufacturing, food production, warehousing or a similar industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, risk management and safety systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing incident investigations, workers compensation and Return to Work processes.
• Confidence working with operational managers and frontline employees.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence positive behavioural change.
• Exposure to HR, employee relations, performance management or industrial relations will be highly regarded

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a well-established Australian manufacturing business.
• Take ownership of site-wide WHS initiatives and improvements.
• Work closely with operational leadership and frontline teams.
• Enjoy a varied position combining WHS leadership with HR support.
• Make a genuine impact on workplace safety, culture and employee wellbeing.

If you're an experienced WHS professional looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.