WHS Project Lead – Defence & Safety Systems

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection in Canberra seeks a WHS Lead/Manager – Projects to drive a defined program of safety improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on, project-focused role reporting to the WHSE team and Chief People Officer, with responsibility for delivering initiatives from assessment through to implementation.

You will coordinate with internal teams, improve chemical management, emergency planning, contractor safety, training frameworks and WHS documentation, while

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience delivering WHS projects in complex regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational solutions.
• Tertiary or diploma-level qualification in WHS or related discipline.
• Formal project management qualification or proven delivery track record.
• Experience in an ISO 45001-aligned WHS system.
• Experience in Defence, advanced manufacturing or highly regulated sectors.
• Experience with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods management.

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio of safety improvement projects across the business.
• Review and strengthen hazardous chemical management framework and SDS controls.
• Update emergency management plans, procedures and exercises.
• Improve contractor safety onboarding, induction, prequalification, risk assessment and verification.
• Establish WHS training and competency verification frameworks for safety-critical roles.
• Review and update WHS policies, procedures and work instructions to align with workflows.
• Develop project delivery governance including plans, milestones and reporting.

Skills

WHS management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Hazardous chemicals management

Education

Diploma/degree in WHS/OHS or risk management

Job description

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection in Canberra seeks a WHS Lead/Manager – Projects to drive a defined program of safety improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on, project-focused role reporting to the WHSE team and Chief People Officer, with responsibility for delivering initiatives from assessment through to implementation.

You will coordinate with internal teams, improve chemical management, emergency planning, contractor safety, training frameworks and WHS documentation, while