Group Health and Safety Manager
Detmold Group is looking for a safety leader who measures success not by documents on a shelf, but by cultures that change, behaviours that stick, and people who go home safe — every day, everywhere.
The Role
As Group Health and Safety Manager you hold executive accountability for the safety performance, culture, and governance of our entire global operation — six plants across Australia and Asia, reporting directly to the Executive General Manager - People.
You will set the strategic direction, partner with Country Managers as a trusted advisor who challenges and inspires leaders and teams. You will build genuine relationships on the ground, and lead a team of three direct reports.
This is not a desk role. It is a global brief with real reach, real responsibility, and real impact.
What You Will Do
Lead the Strategy
* Own the Health and Safety management system
* Set global direction aligned to our 100% SAFE & WELL commitment
* Chair governance committees and drive Group-wide improvement
* Lead critical incident management and corrective action globally
* Act as the principal Health and Safety expert
Partner with Country Managers
* Be a present, trusted partner to Country Managers across all plants
* Embed global standards with cultural intelligence and local sensitivity
* Engage regularly with group teams and build the relationships that make the difference
Build Capability & Culture
* Lead cultural transformation, shift mindsets, embed values, build lasting behaviours
* Coach and develop your Health and Safety team of three direct reports
* Design and roll out global training frameworks and performance reporting
* Equip leaders at every level to own safety as a leadership responsibility
Manage Compliance
* Lead self-insurance obligations for South Australia including workers compensation, early intervention, and return-to-work
* Ensure legislative compliance across every country of operation
* Oversee SEDEX, CSR, and Australian site security obligations
About You
You have built a career at the intersection of strategy and operations. You know how to influence and earn trust on a factory floor and across the group. Cross‐cultural environments energise rather than intimidate you.
Experience
* 15+ years progressive Health and Safety leadership; 5+ years at Group or global level
* Multi-site manufacturing or heavy industrial background - essential
* Proven track record across multiple countries and diverse workforces
* Self‐insurance, workers compensation, and return-to-work expertise
* Experience working directly with Country or Regional Managers
* Tertiary qualification in Health & Safety or equivalent
How You Lead
* Senior level influencer, you challenge, inspire, and align
* Hands‐on and present, comfortable in the field and across borders
* Cross‐culturally intelligent, you lead through difference, not despite it
* Strong communicator across all levels, from Executive to factory floor
* A genuine passion for safety outcomes, not just safety compliance
Why Detmold
* Shape global Health & Safety strategy across the group
* 100% SAFE & WELL is not a slogan - it is the standard we hold ourselves to every day, across every site
* Australian-owned, globally minded, with 75 years of heritage and a genuine commitment to its people
* Competitive remuneration reflective of the seniority and global scope of this role
Detmold Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive global workplace.
We are proud to be a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer — we commit to responding to every applicant.
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