We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Work Health and Safety to lead the development and delivery of our WHS function, strengthen organisational safety maturity, and embed a culture where safety is owned by everyone
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive a proactive, resilient and high performing safety culture across Council.
You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring WHS is embedded into organisational planning, decision making and service delivery.
Key focus areas include:
- Leading a strong, contemporary WHS and Injury Management framework
- Driving safety culture, leadership capability and accountability
- Ensuring legislative compliance and governance excellence
- Embedding risk management and continuous improvement practices
- Overseeing workers compensation, insurer performance and return to work outcomes
- Leveraging data, insights and digital solutions to improve safety performance
This role is accountable for ensuring WHS systems and practices are consistently applied across all worksites and functions to deliver a safe working environment for all.
About You
You are a credible and influential WHS leader who can operate strategically while maintaining strong operational oversight.
You will bring:
- Extensive experience leading WHS in a complex organisation (local government or public sector highly regarded)
- Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, workers compensation and injury management frameworks
- Proven ability to develop and implement WHS strategies, systems and frameworks
- Experience driving safety culture and organisational change
- Strong capability in data analysis, reporting and performance improvement
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and leadership skills
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in WHS (or related discipline) are required
Why Join Us
- Senior leadership role with organisation‑wide safety impact
- Shape and mature WHS across a diverse, complex service environment
- Be part of a progressive People & Culture function
- Contribute to a council committed to community, sustainability and innovation
- Work in a collaborative, values‑driven organisational culture
What We Offer
- Permanent full‑time role (35 hours per week)
- Flexible working options, including a 9‑day fortnight and hybrid work (after probation)
- Salary from $118,566.89 to $137,374.71 plus 12% superannuation
- Fitness Passport with discounted memberships for you and your family
- Health and wellbeing paid leave
- Employee Rewards Program recognising performance and contribution
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Salary packaging options
How to Apply
If you are committed to progressing your career and possess the attributes outlined in this advertisement and thePosition Description, we encourage you to apply.
Applicants are required to submit responses to the targeted questions as part of the application process. Failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.
Applications must be submitted via Council’s website.
Closing Date:Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 11:59 PM (AEST)
For further information about the role, please contact Sharni Watts, Chief People Officer on02 9330 6027.
Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.
Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights (with no Visa restrictions) to apply for this position.
Georges River Council is a progressive, people-focused organisation with 600 dedicated staff delivering exceptional services to our diverse and vibrant community. Our vision is to be 'naturally connected to place, community, and Country'. We are committed to creating accessible green, and liveable spaces, nurturing creativity, protecting the natural environment, and building a thriving local economy.
We foster our values of Accountability, Professionalism, Unity and Honesty and take pride in promoting the image of Council in the community.
We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
At Georges River Council we are committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community. We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people and will uphold our commitment as a child safe organisation.
