Head Of Health, Safety And Wellbeing

People and Culture | Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs Attractive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience, plus 17% superannuation.
Full-time opportunity with relocation assistance available for interstate candidates.
The Opportunity Join the University of the Sunshine Coast (Uni SC) as our Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing and help shape a university where people thrive because they feel safe, supported, and empowered.
As the Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Uni SC, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a culture where safety, support, and wellbeing are part of the everyday experience, whether in a research lab, lecture theatre, remote fieldwork site, or campus office.
This is a strategic leadership position, deeply connected to day-to-day operations.
You will lead a team of capable WHS and return-to-work specialists, supporting their growth while overseeing incident management, risk assessment, compliance, and developing practical, people-centered systems and tools.
Your days will vary; some may focus on engaging with senior leaders to embed safety into university-wide planning or reviewing key data to inform strategic direction.
Others might involve walking the campuses, supporting academic staff with unique risk profiles, or responding to emerging issues in real-time.
You will be a visible leader and trusted advisor, translating regulatory obligations and best practices into tangible outcomes across Uni SC's diverse, multi-site environment.
This is an opportunity to shape long-term cultural change and operational excellence in a growing, values-led university.
You will Lead and support a small team of health, safety, wellbeing, and injury management specialists, creating a culture of proactive support, capability building, and continuous improvement.
Partner with senior leaders to implement and evaluate the University's Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) strategy, embedding a safety-first mindset into daily operations and long-term planning across all campuses.
Provide expert risk management advice and oversight on health and safety matters, guiding departments, schools, research centres, and institutes in best practices.
Develop and manage HSW reporting systems that enable evidence-based decision making, monitor performance, and inform strategic priorities.
Oversee the development and continuous improvement of HSW governance frameworks, systems, and processes to ensure compliance, drive consistency, and support the university's strategic goals.
Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and ethical workplace by leading training and awareness programs, overseeing injury management and compliance, and supporting the broader People and Culture team.
About you You are an experienced leader, combining strategic oversight with deep operational expertise and a proven ability to build trust and drive transformative change within complex, people-centered organizations.
You navigate the intersection of long-term strategic planning and day-to-day operational demands with exceptional judgment and a collaborative leadership style that resonates across all levels, from frontline teams to executive leadership.
You bring diverse experience, ideally across large, multi-site, or complex organizations with diverse staffing profiles, and a passion for translating best practices into tangible outcomes.
You are ready to lead the continued evolution of Uni SC's health, safety, and wellbeing function, advancing strategic goals while delivering practical, people-focused solutions with integrity and accountability.
You will possess : Proven leadership experience managing health, safety, and wellbeing functions within large, complex organizations.
Deep expertise in contemporary safety concepts, systems, and leadership practices across multi-site environments.
A strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to design and embed a proactive, safety-first culture supporting organizational goals and driving sustainable impact.
A successful track record in leading and developing high-performing HSW teams.
Strong knowledge of governance frameworks, risk management, and evidence-based HSW program delivery, including mental health initiatives.
Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills to build trusted relationships at all levels.
A strong appreciation of the strategic alignment between HSW and broader People and Culture strategies.
The ability to work primarily from our Sippy Downs campus four days per week (relocation assistance available for interstate candidates).
Uni SC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences.
We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context.
For additional support during the application process, please contact us at or call +61 7 5430 2830.
Position Description : 493302_PD.pdf Uni SC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.
Uni SC does not accept unsolicited applications.
For agency inquiries, contact us directly.
We will review applications and contact suitable candidates throughout the advertisement duration.
We strongly encourage you to submit your interest promptly.
Your application must include a resume and a cover letter (not to exceed two pages), reviewed in alignment with the selection criteria outlined in the position description.
Further information on how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team.
To learn more about us, visit: Welcome to Uni SC and Linked In Life.
For questions or a confidential discussion, please contact: Deborah Walker, Director, People and Culture Email : Discover Uni SC We're committed to doing meaningful work, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey.
We're not the biggest university but are growing daily and achieving big things like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning athletes and alumni.
We are one of the fastest-growing universities in Australia, with over 2,000 staff across 5 campuses in South-East Queensland and our new Uni SC Adelaide footprint.
Our focus on teaching excellence and sustainability is integrated into all aspects of our work.
Our research tackles pressing global challenges, with 26 fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings.
At Uni SC, you will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to education for future generations.
We foster a collaborative, supportive environment, encouraging professional development and resource access to enhance your career.
We value each team member's contributions to our culture and success.
We're proud to be different and seek individuals who share our values and want to help address local and global challenges.
Our Culture & Benefits : Our collaborative, passionate, and welcoming culture sets us apart.
We offer modern facilities, professional development, career pathways, and are a proud recipient of the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
Benefits include flexible work arrangements, generous leave, salary packaging options, 17% superannuation, EAP, fitness passport, and discounted private health.
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