Safety & Wellbeing Manager

• Senior Leadership Role | FMCG / Food Manufacturing
• Attractive remuneration aligned with skills & experience
• Lead safety, wellbeing, and compliance across production & farming networks

Our Company

Incorporated in 1938, Hazeldene's Chicken Farm is a leading FMCG company headquartered in Lockwood (Bendigo), Victoria. At Hazeldenes, we have more than 80 years of history underpinning how we proudly go about our business. It is not just about our delicious chickens, innovation, and commitment to quality. It is about our people doing extraordinary things to deliver great products.

At Hazeldenes, we are proud of our people, our reputation, and our place in the community. From humble beginnings in Kangaroo Flat in Bendigo, our facilities have spread across rural Victoria. Our people come from many different cultures and backgrounds and have skills ranging from farming and quality control to engineering and poultry processing.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Safety & Wellbeing Manager to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role, driving compliance, safety culture, and wellbeing outcomes across both farming and production operations.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our safety, health, and wellbeing strategies. You will partner with senior leaders, frontline teams, and external regulators to build a proactive, "safety-first" culture that protects and supports our people every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of health, safety, and wellbeing strategies across farming and production networks.
• Ensure compliance with WHS/OHS legislation, codes of practice, and food industry safety standards.
• Manage psychosocial risks (e.g., stress, fatigue, bullying) in line with updated WorkSafe legislation.
• Oversee risk assessments, audits, inspections, and incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Implement process safety controls for high-risk operations (chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, ammonia refrigeration).
• Drive contractor and labour-hire safety management, ensuring compliance prior to site access.
• Oversee emergency preparedness and crisis response planning.
• Deliver training, toolbox talks, and safety awareness programs that engage all levels of the workforce.
• Support return-to-work and injury management processes in partnership with HR and insurers.
• Promote mental health and wellbeing through targeted programs and initiatives.
• Lead consultation with HSRs, safety committees, and frontline staff to strengthen safety engagement.
• Use digital tools, dashboards, and analytics to monitor safety performance and identify trends.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports, including LTIs, near misses, and corrective action close-out.
• Embed safety leadership into continuous improvement frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Represent Hazeldenes in audits, regulatory reviews, and industry forums.

About You

• Proven leadership experience in OHS / WHS within FMCG, food, or other high-risk manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, psychosocial hazards, and process safety.
• Experience managing contractor safety, labour-hire compliance, and return-to-work programs.
• Skilled in risk management, incident investigation, and safety system development.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and training delivery skills.
• Confident using digital safety management systems, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety, Risk Management, or related discipline.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package.
• Opportunity to shape the safety and wellbeing strategy of a leading FMCG employer.
• Career growth and development in a respected, values-driven organisation.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Employee discounts, health & wellbeing programs, and onsite parking.
• Work with a proud Australian company that's been innovating for more than 80 years.

How to Apply

If you're a forward-thinking safety leader who is passionate about protecting people and building a proactive safety culture in a fast-paced FMCG environment, we want to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume and cover letter.

Hazeldenes proudly supports a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.