WHS Project Lead – Defence Tech (Contract, Canberra)

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection is assisting a Canberra-based Defence technology group to recruit a WHS Lead/Manager – Projects. This 12-month contract role focuses on delivering priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business, rather than day-to-day site safety management.

You will lead hazardous chemical management, emergency planning, contractor safety, and documentation frameworks, reporting to the Chief People Officer and working with internal WHSE teams and contractors.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience delivering WHS projects in regulated environments (engineering/manufacturing/construction).
• Strong knowledge of WHS laws, regs, codes of practice and best-practice principles.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational solutions.
• Formal project delivery track record or PM certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of safety improvement projects from assessment to delivery.
• Manage hazardous chemical management framework, registers, SDS and controls.
• Update emergency plans, response procedures and exercises.
• Improve contractor onboarding, induction, prequalification, risk assessment and verification programs.
• Establish WHS training frameworks, licensing and competency verification.
• Review and update WHS policies and workflows to align with operations.
• Develop project delivery governance with plans, milestones and handover to BAU.

Skills

WHS project management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Emergency planning

Documentation & records

Education

Tertiary qualification in WHS/OHS

Job description

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection is assisting a Canberra-based Defence technology group to recruit a WHS Lead/Manager – Projects. This 12-month contract role focuses on delivering priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business, rather than day-to-day site safety management.

You will lead hazardous chemical management, emergency planning, contractor safety, and documentation frameworks, reporting to the Chief People Officer and working with internal WHSE teams and contractors.