WHS Projects Lead - Defence Tech (12-Month Contract)

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection – Sydney CBD NSW is seeking an experienced WHS Lead/Manager – Projects to lead a defined program of priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business. This 12-month contract role is hands-on and focuses on project delivery from assessment through to implementation and handover.

The role reports to the Chief People Officer, works with the WHSE team, leaders, employees and contractors, and requires a strong background in regulated environments,

Qualifications

• Experience delivering WHS projects in a complex operational, engineering, manufacturing or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Commonwealth WHS Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice and contemporary WHS management principles.
• Experience in hazardous chemicals management, contractor safety assurance, emergency management or competency verification frameworks.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational solutions with strong project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Formal qualification in WHS/OHS, risk management or a related discipline; ISO 45001 experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of safety improvement projects from assessment through to design, implementation and handover.
• Review and strengthen chemical management frameworks, SDS, registers and controls.
• Update emergency plans, procedures, and support exercises; coordinate with WHSE team and contractors.
• Improve contractor onboarding, induction, prequalification, risk assessment and verification programs.
• Develop frameworks for WHS training, licensing, competency verification and documentation updates.
• Develop project plans, milestones, governance, and transition completed projects to BAU.

Skills

WHS management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

ISO 45001

Hazardous chemicals management

Emergency management

Contractor safety management

Risk assessment

Education

Tertiary qualification in WHS/OHS or risk management

Job description

Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection – Sydney CBD NSW is seeking an experienced WHS Lead/Manager – Projects to lead a defined program of priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business. This 12-month contract role is hands-on and focuses on project delivery from assessment through to implementation and handover.

The role reports to the Chief People Officer, works with the WHSE team, leaders, employees and contractors, and requires a strong background in regulated environments,