Senior WHS Advisor Safety Management Systems Assurance

Western Downs Regional Council; Dalby, Miles, Chinchilla; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

12% superannuation

Growth opportunities

Corporate health plan

Mental health support (EAP)

Job summary

Western Downs Regional Council is recruiting a Senior Advisor Safety Management Systems & Assurance to lead the Safety First Safety Management System, coordinate assurance activities and strengthen governance across the organisation. You will partner with operational leaders to verify effectiveness of controls and drive continual improvement in safety performance.

The role requires a Diploma/Degree in OH&S, strong knowledge of WHS legislation, and extensive experience in auditing, assurance and

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of Work Health and Safety legislation, standards and governance requirements.
• Experience developing, implementing and auditing safety management systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership to WHS Advisors for governance and assurance.
• Lead development and continual improvement of WHS management systems.
• Provide specialist advice on WHS legislation, governance and risk frameworks.
• Develop and maintain organisational hazard identification, risk assessment and control processes.
• Coordinate WHS assurance programs including audits and system reviews.
• Support Contract Managers with contractor WHS management and assurance.
• Monitor system performance and identify trends for governance and decision-making.
• Develop WHS capability through training and leadership engagement.
• Provide specialist WHS support for inspections, investigations and emergency management.

Skills

WHS governance

Auditing

Risk management

Data analysis

Leadership

Driver's license

Lead Auditor

WHS legislation

Education

Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety

Tools

Digital safety platforms

Job description

About the role

As the Senior Advisor Safety Management Systems & Assurance, you will lead the development, implementation, governance and continual improvement of Council's Safety First Safety Management System. The role is responsible for coordinating assurance programs, monitoring system performance, supporting legislative compliance, and providing strategic advice to strengthen safety governance, risk management and organisational safety performance. Working closely with operational leaders and safety professionals, you will verify the effectiveness of safety systems and controls while driving continual improvement across Council.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, guidance and mentoring to Workplace Health and Safety Advisors, supporting the delivery of Council's safety governance, assurance and management system objectives.

• Lead the strategic development and continual improvement of Council's WHS management systems, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements, Codes of Practice and recognised standards while strengthening governance, compliance, risk management and organisational capability.

• Provide specialist advice on WHS legislation, governance requirements, safety management systems and risk management frameworks to support organisational compliance and due diligence obligations.

• Develop and maintain organisational frameworks, methodologies and tools to support effective hazard identification, risk assessment, control implementation and risk management across Council.

• Develop, implement and coordinate Council's WHS assurance program, including audits, verification activities and management system reviews to evaluate compliance, control effectiveness and system performance.

• Support Contract Managers by providing advice and assurance regarding contractor WHS management systems, compliance obligations and assurance requirements.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of organisational WHS management systems and controls through assurance activities, performance reporting and data analysis, identifying trends and improvement opportunities to support governance and informed decision-making.

• Support the development of organisational WHS capability through training, leadership engagement, consultation and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Where required, provide specialist WHS support, including participation in inspections, investigations, training, emergency management activities and other safety initiatives as required to meet the organisational needs.

About you

• Relevant Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, or equivalent related experience
• Demonstrated high level knowledge and practical understanding of relevant Work Health and Safety legislation, standards and governance requirements
• Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, monitoring and continual improvement of safety management systems, including auditing, assurance activities, compliance monitoring and corrective action management
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement through the analysis of safety data, trends, audits and assurance activities
• Sound understanding of governance frameworks, assurance methodologies and contemporary WHS practices
• Current Drivers Licence
• Minimum three (3) years' experience in WHS systems, governance, assurance, auditing, risk management, performance reporting and digital safety platforms or a related field within a complex or multi-disciplinary organisation
• Lead Auditor, Internal Auditor or WHS Auditor qualification

The Benefits of Working for WDRC:

Work / life balance

We understand the importance of balance. Enjoy flexible work arrangements and wellness programs designed to keep you at your best.

Superannuation

In addition to your annual salary, Council will contribute twelve (12) per cent, including the superannuation guarantee contribution.

Growth Opportunities

We invest in your growth. Whether it's skill development, mentorship, or career advancement, we've got you covered.

Access to Corporate Health Plan

Take care of yourself and join one of our Corporate Health Plans to improve life.

Health & Wellbeing program and Mental Health Support

Change your lifestyle and live better with healthy ideas. Be your best possible self with provided support and information.

Access to free Employee Assistance Program & confidential counselling

Reach out to someone confidentially if you are experiencing any concerns or problems.

Salary Packaging Available

Restructure your salary to work for you to pay for everyday living expenses such as Motor Vehicles, Superannuation, Remote Area Housing (Rent), Fuel, Gas and Electricity.

Allowances Available (if applicable)

Allowances such as Locality Allowance may be applicable to your position.

Leave Loading

You will receive 17.5% leave loading on top of your base rate of pay, while you are on Annual Leave.

Uniforms and PPE

Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided.

Job security in a local government position

Feel secure working for an organisation who believes in strong foundations of respect, balance, communication, teamwork, accountability and leadership.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance of up to $5,000 may be provided to the preferred candidate if relocating to the Western Downs Region.

About us

Western Downs Regional Council is a dynamic organisation committed to providing outstanding service to the local community. Everything we do is underpinned by our positive culture and internal brand which includes being an organisation that cares about its people and their safety, is future focused and strives to make a real difference to our community. Our behaviour reflects our organisational values: Communication, Leadership, Respect, Balance, Team Work, and Accountability.

Western Downs Regional Council is committed to fostering a Safety First work environment that eliminates or manages hazards that have the ability to cause injury or illness to our employees, communities, assets and customers.