Position Overview
City of Port Lincoln is looking for a qualified WHS leader to provide specialist advice to the CEO, Executive, and Council's leadership team on WHS & Risk Management and operational oversight of Council's Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Return to Work (RTW) functions.
Full-time, Permanent Position. Estimated start July‐August 2026. Relocation support available. Salary $100,071.66 per annum, includes Council vehicle for commuter use, laptop, phone allowance, uniform allowance, 12% superannuation and an additional 3% Council superannuation contribution.
Role & Responsibilities
The WHS Coordinator provides strategic leadership, specialist expertise, and operational oversight of Council's WHS and RTW functions. This position is responsible for planning, directing, controlling, and evaluating WHS systems and programs to ensure organisational compliance, continuous improvement, and achievement of Council's corporate objectives.
* Leads a significant organisational function with accountability for outcomes, performance, and compliance.
* Provides expert advice to Executive and Council on complex WHS, RTW, and risk matters.
* Develops, implements, and reviews systems, procedures and frameworks that impact Council-wide operations.
* Exercises delegated authority in decision‐making and negotiation relating to WHS risks, compliance and performance.
* Supports Work Health and Safety system for District Council of Tumby Bay 2 days per week under a Shared Services Agreement.
Key Objectives
* Accountable for organisation‐wide WHS and Return To Work performance, systems, functions and compliance outcomes.
* Develop and implement WHS strategy, frameworks and systems to support organisational performance and continuous improvement.
* Establish and monitor WHS performance outcomes, including KPIs and reporting frameworks.
* Ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) and associated standards.
* Act as Council's primary liaison with WHS regulators, insurers and external oversight bodies.
* Influence and negotiate outcomes with internal stakeholders, regulators, insurers and external providers.
* Accountable for the effective performance and supervision of Council's WHS and Risk Officer.
* Provide expert advice on complex WHS, risk and compliance matters.
* Oversee auditing, benchmarking and evaluation of WHS systems and performance.
* Apply high‐level judgement to resolve complex WHS risks and organisational issues.
* Plan and oversee WHS programs, including injury management, training and workplace emergency management.
* Lead the development and review of WHS policies, procedures and frameworks.
* Integrate WHS systems across all operational areas.
* Build organisational capability through coaching, guidance and professional advice.
* Support leaders to fulfil their WHS responsibilities and accountabilities.
* Engage key stakeholders, including Executive, committees, LGAWCS and regulators.
* Support the effective operation of the WHS Committee.
* Deliver WHS shared services to partner councils.
* Provide technical leadership and oversight of WHS functions and roles.
* Monitor organisational performance and drive continuous improvement in systems, processes and culture.
* Apply contemporary best practice and methodologies to WHS service delivery.
Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills
* Tertiary qualifications in WHS, behavioural science or related discipline.
* Extensive experience in WHS leadership, including responsibility for organisational systems and outcomes.
* Experience managing transition to individual responsibility for WHS.
* Ability to operate autonomously and exercise high‐level judgement in complex environments.
* Proven ability to influence, negotiate and provide expert advice at Executive level and with a wide variety of stakeholders.
* Advanced knowledge of Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA) and Return to Work Act 2014 (SA).
* Unimpeded Class C Driver's Licence.
Highly Regarded but Not Essential
* Experience in enterprise risk management.
* Knowledge of Performance Standards for self‐insured employers.
* Experience implementing systems for risk management, contractor management, emergency management and change management.
Equal Opportunity Statement
City of Port Lincoln is an Employer of Choice, Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free Workplace.
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