National Manager

About us

Proudly Australian owned, Coates has a long history of supporting customers to deliver major projects and an exciting future focused on growth. We provide end-to-end solutions spanning Equipment Hire, Engineering Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Power & HVAC.

The next step in your career starts here…

As the National Manager, Health & Safety at Coates, you'll lead the charge in embedding our Safety-First culture across every part of the business. This is a high-impact, national leadership role where you'll shape how safety is lived, led, and measured across our operations, ensuring compliance, driving continuous improvement, and delivering outcomes that protect our people and enhance customer confidence.

Reporting to the GM, HSEQ & Sustainability, you'll lead a team of HSEQ Business Partners and work closely with senior leaders across all business units — from Engineering and Industrial Solutions to Power & HVAC, Traffic and Transport, to implementing our HSEQ & Sustainability Strategic Plan aligned with Coates' Grow30 Strategy.

Your immediate focus will be implementing the Safety Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP) and strengthening critical risk management, safety capability, and leadership engagement right across the organisation.

You'll enjoy variety in your role including:

• Champion and embed our uncompromising Safety-First culture throughout the business.
• Lead the delivery of Coates' HSEQ & Sustainability Strategic Plan and Safety Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP).
• Drive consistent application of Life Saving Rules, Critical Risk controls and hazard management procedures.
• Provide strategic safety leadership, coaching and advice to HSEQ Business Partners and senior stakeholders.
• Support and mentor a high-performing national HSEQ team across multiple business units.
• Partner with Learning & Development to strengthen safety training and compliance programs.
• Lead and oversee ICAM investigations into critical risk incidents, ensuring learnings are implemented and shared.
• Support tender submissions and client engagement to ensure Coates' safety standards exceed expectations.
• Oversee HSEQ risk registers and implement initiatives to mitigate key business risks.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators and relevant authorities, providing expert advice and representation.
• Deliver accurate and timely safety reporting and insights to senior leadership.

What you'll get in return

We provide our team with a wide range of perks and benefits, including:

• Development and career progression pathways
• Access to our employee discounts, benefits and wellbeing program
• Purchased additional leave program
• Novated leasing and salary sacrifice
• 12 weeks Paid Parental Leave in addition to government parental leave scheme
• Volunteering opportunities through the Coates Foundation

What you'll bring to the role

• Degree or formal qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety (preferred) or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years' experience leading safety functions within heavy industry or similar complex environments.
• Deep knowledge of risk management, safety legislation and regulatory engagement.
• Proven experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams across large, distributed organisations.
• Strong communication and influence skills, with the ability to engage leaders and frontline teams alike.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance compliance with continuous improvement and innovation.

Looking for more reasons to join Coates?

At Coates, we know that people, organisations and communities thrive when everyone feels valued and included.

We're proud to be implementing our second Reconciliation Action Plan and are committed to improving gender representation. We also provide opportunities for growth through our leadership and development programs.

But our impact doesn't stop there. Coates supports local and national charities through the Coates Foundation and invests in more sustainable equipment solutions to help create a greener future for all.

Visit to learn more about our values and opportunities.

Unlock your next career opportunity – apply today

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture. Coates welcomes candidates from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.

Coates. Equipped for you.