Overview
The CompanyGenTech Seeds Pty Limited and Genetic Technologies Limited are a proud New Zealand family‑owned leading agribusiness and the exclusive producer and distributor of the globally recognised Pioneer® Brand Products in Australia and NewZealand. Pioneer® is known for its superior hybrid genetics, consistent performance, and industry‑leading field support. GenTech and Genetic Technologies serves customers with integrity, unmatched agronomic knowledge, and practical solutions that help farmers succeed.
The Opportunity
In this senior executive position, the Head of Safety will lead organisation‑wide Health, Safety & Wellness initiatives, building an informed, capable and engaged workforce across all aspects of health, safety and wellbeing. A central focus of the role is to set the company's overarching safety vision and translate it into practical, operationally relevant strategies and systems that can be consistently applied across all sites. You will work closely with stakeholders across production, research, and distribution sites in Australia and NewZealand. Collaboration with in‑field sales teams and support offices is essential to ensure a unified safety culture. You will guide and mentor the two Safety Advisors, who work directly with site and operational management on day‑to‑day safety matters, ensuring they are aligned with the broader strategic direction. As the organisation's primary safety specialist, you will be the central source of knowledge, guidance and expertise in all matters relating to health, safety and wellness. Reporting to the Head of Business Services, you will enhance the existing safety framework and introduce system and culture improvements aligned with industry best practice and GenTech's and Genetic Technologies commitment to its people. Frequent travel across regional Australia and NewZealand will be required to maintain authentic relationships, engage directly with teams on‑site, and ensure alignment in safety expectations and practices.
Responsibilities
* Lead organisation‑wide Health, Safety & Wellness initiatives and drive the safety vision across all sites.
* Develop and implement practical safety strategies, systems and programs that are operable at scale.
* Collaborate with production, research, distribution, and sales teams to foster a unified safety culture.
* Mentor and guide the Safety Advisors to align with strategic direction.
* Act as the central source of knowledge on health, safety and wellness matters for the organisation.
* Enhance the safety framework and introduce system and culture improvements in line with best practice.
* Support travel across regional Australia and NewZealand to engage with teams on site and maintain alignment.
About You / Qualifications
* Established (minimum 5 years) senior health, safety & wellness leadership experience, ideally within agriculture, food production/processing, or similar operational environments.
* Experience designing, implementing, and embedding organisation‑wide health, safety & wellness systems, frameworks, and technology solutions.
* Expert‑level understanding of WHS/OHS legislation, Codes of Practice, regulatory obligations and the practical application in operational settings.
* Strong people leadership, coaching and ability to uplift capability across diverse teams.
* Ability to advise senior executive leadership and the Board on emerging risks, industry trends, and best practice.
* Approachable communication style, able to build trust with stakeholders from executives to field operators.
* Hands‑on capability in incident management, investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
* Experience in systems management, including reporting, statutory compliance, and oversight of workers' compensation and return‑to‑work processes.
* Coordination and leadership of assurance activities including audits, inspections and reviews.
* High‑level ethics, integrity and professionalism.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications and industry certifications (e.g., CertIV WHS, Diploma WHS, GradDip Safety, ICAM) will be highly regarded.
* Practical, solutions‑focused mindset with the ability to simplify complex safety challenges and support teams through change.
Why This Role
This newly created senior role will have immediate and lasting impact across GenTech's operations in Australia and Genetic Technologies in NewZealand. It represents a rare opportunity to shape the safety function from the ground up – setting the safety vision, building systems, and lifting culture and capability with the full backing of executive leadership. Your connection with the agricultural sector and your genuine enjoyment of engaging with people across all levels will help you integrate quickly and effectively. Your understanding of the industry's unique challenges will be invaluable in driving meaningful, sustainable improvements. You will join a globally recognised brand with a deep local culture and a clear mission: delivering value to farmers through innovation, reliability, and trust.
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