WHS Manager

GWG Recruitment; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GWG Recruitment in NSW seeks a hands-on WHS leader to own site safety systems and drive continuous improvement across operations. This role is highly visible, combining field leadership with compliance management.

Base at the Tomago office with travel to NSW sites; lead audits, risk assessments, investigations, inductions and toolbox talks while fostering a culture of safety, environmental responsibility and quality.

Qualifications

• End-to-end WHS experience across safety programs, compliance and reporting.
• Strong mindset for continuous improvement and risk reduction.
• Ability to build rapport with operational teams and influence safety culture.
• On-site confidence with practical safety discussions and interventions.
• Collaborative, solutions-focused approach balancing safety with operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve WHS programs, systems, SWMS and risk controls.
• Conduct site visits, risk assessments, audits and inspections across operations.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions and emergency preparedness.
• Manage inductions, employee medicals, workers compensation and return-to-work cases.
• Drive workforce engagement through toolbox talks, client liaison, WHS reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

WHS leadership

Site safety

Risk assessment

Incident investigations

Continuous improvement

Job description

The Organisation

Established over a decade ago, our client is an independent, locally owned and market leader in the construction industry, successful delivery services across large scale government, commercial and residential projects.

This family-owned business has the scale to offer competitive remuneration, career progression and ongoing development, while maintaining strong values of integrity, commitment and respect.

The Role

This is a highly visible, hands-on WHS position combining site-based safety leadership with ownership of systems, compliance and continuous improvement.

Working closely with operational leaders, supervisors and employees, you’ll influence safety behaviours, strengthen WHS practices and support teams across a diverse range of operational environments.

You’ll lead the ongoing development and improvement of the WHS program while fostering a strong culture of safety, environmental responsibility and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve WHS programs, systems, SWMS and risk controls.


• Conduct site visits, risk assessments, audits and inspections across operations.


• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions and emergency preparedness.


• Manage inductions, employee medicals, workers compensation and return-to-work cases.


• Drive workforce engagement through toolbox talks, client liaison, WHS reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for a confident and capable safety professional ready to take ownership of the WHS function, supported by a WHS Officer and with strong backing from the Founder/CEO.

The role is primarily based at the Tomago office and main production plant; however, flexibility to travel to operational and project sites across NSW will be critical to success.

You’ll bring:

• End-to-end WHS experience across onboarding, training, compliance, risk assessments, audits, investigations, corrective actions and reporting.


• A strong continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen WHS practices and processes.


• The ability to build rapport and credibility with operational teams, positively influencing safety culture at all levels.


• Confidence working out on site, having practical safety conversations and challenging practices when required.


• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach, balancing strong safety standards with the realities of an operational environment.

If you’re looking for a WHS leadership position where you can be visible, hands-on and genuinely influential, we’d love to hear from you.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to building inclusive and respectful workplaces, strengthened by diversity, and encourage applications from First Nations Peoples, all genders, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability, of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to provide a barrier-free and equitable recruitment experience. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact your consultant via the phone number or email above.