Health and Safety Manager – Michael Page
About Our Client
Our client is a Victorian Government agency responsible for managing and developing a critical deep‑water port. They play a key role in ensuring safe, sustainable operations and supporting major infrastructure projects that contribute to Victoria's long‑term economic growth. The organisation values leadership, integrity, respect, and sustainability, and operates within a high‑compliance environment with strong stakeholder engagement across government, industry, and the community.
Job Description
Health & Safety Leadership
* Lead the organisation's health, safety and wellbeing strategy and culture, ensuring systems meet ISO45001 and regulatory requirements.
* Develop, maintain and continually improve the Health & Safety Management System, policies, procedures and manuals.
* Provide specialist advice and strategic direction on health and safety matters, emerging issues and organisational risk trends.
* Conduct or oversee audits, inspections and investigations, integrating findings into organisational improvement.
* Oversee training and competency development across the organisation.
* Ensure timely reporting of incidents, hazards, corrective actions and regulatory notifications.
* Provide leadership and guidance to employees to support a high‑performance, safety‑focused culture.
* Collaborate with management to align health and safety priorities with corporate objectives.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, contractors, community, regulators and government agencies.
Security Management
* Lead and uphold the port's security framework in compliance with the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act and Regulations 2003.
* Maintain and update the Maritime Security Plan (MSP).
* Manage relationships with Australian Border Force, Department of Home Affairs, Victoria Police and other security partners.
* Oversee security risk assessments, drills, system performance and continuous improvement.
Emergency Management
* Lead emergency management preparedness, response and recovery functions.
* Maintain emergency management plans, conduct exercises and ensure organisational capability.
* Liaise with emergency services (CFA, Police, Ambulance, local councils) and coordinate joint preparedness activities.
Project Advisory
* Provide health, safety, security and emergency risk advice to the project team.
* Review project plans, designs, construction methodologies and operational interfaces for risk mitigation.
* Ensure project contractors and suppliers meet port safety and security requirements.
* Support integration of project works with existing port operations and regulatory frameworks.
Compliance & Governance
* Maintain an accurate and up‑to‑date health, safety and security compliance register.
* Ensure organisational compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, codes and standards.
Return to Work & Injury Management
* Lead the return‑to‑work and injury management function in line with legislation and best practice.
* Provide expert guidance on RTW plans (including non‑WorkCover), WorkCover processes, rehabilitation and recovery pathways.
* Liaise with insurers, medical providers, employees and managers to support sustainable RTW outcomes.
The Successful Applicant
Qualifications & Experience
* Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety (mandatory).
* Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (preferred).
* Qualifications in Return‑to‑Work, rehabilitation or injury management (highly regarded).
* Demonstrated experience in health and safety management within an industrial worksite (ports, logistics, heavy industry).
* Proven ability to lead and enhance health and safety systems to meet ISO45001 and best practice standards.
* Experience conducting safety audits, inspections and investigations.
* Familiarity with maritime security protocols and health and safety risks specific to the maritime environment (preferred).
* Strong understanding of occupational risks: working at heights, confined spaces, overwater, elevated platforms, permit‑to‑work systems, dangerous goods, asbestos, traffic management, electrical hazards and mobile plant operations.
Skills & Capabilities
* Ability to provide authoritative advice and strategic direction on health and safety matters.
* Strong organisational and interpersonal skills; able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
* High‑level analytical and conceptual skills.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with robust training and presentation capability.
* Proficient in MS Office and relevant safety management software.
What's on Offer
* Permanent, full‑time position with a Victorian Government agency, offering stability and long‑term career growth.
* High‑impact leadership role shaping health, safety and security standards for a critical deep‑water port and major infrastructure projects.
* Broad scope and visibility covering ISO45001 systems, emergency management, maritime security and strategic project advisory.
* Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, regulators and government stakeholders in a high‑compliance environment.
* A culture built on leadership, integrity, respect and sustainability, with strong commitment to safety and wellbeing.
* Competitive salary package.
Contact: Rhys Shelley
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