Work, Health and Safety Program Manager
12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Our Company
The Australian Ballet is one of the world's leading ballet companies and a globally recognised Australian national performing arts organisation. Each year the company presents over 220 performances across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, alongside public programs, regional touring, a Children's Ballet, Education programs and international tours.
With annual revenue exceeding $70 million and over 290 employees across The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria, we operate in complex artistic, technical and public environments — from rehearsal studios and theatres to warehouses, touring venues and corporate offices.
Role Highlights
* 12-month Fixed Term Contract with scope to design and implement a company-wide Safety Management System
* Shape safety governance across a nationally touring, multi-site performing arts organisation
* Build leadership capability and embed practical, workable safety frameworks
What you'll be doing
* Design and establish The Australian Ballet's Safety Management System framework following a recent audit
* Translate WHS legislation and ISO 45001 principles into practical tools, policies and governance frameworks that support artistic, technical, touring and corporate operations
* Define safety roles, responsibilities and accountability across departments
* Establish hazard identification, risk assessment and incident management frameworks that are scalable and operationally practical
* Lead the selection and implementation of a Safety Management System platform
* Build leadership capability through structured training, coaching and practical toolkits to embed safety ownership across the organisation
What experience you'll need
* Tertiary qualification in Work Health & Safety, Occupational Health & Safety or related discipline (Bachelor level or higher)
* Demonstrated experience establishing or significantly uplifting Safety Management Systems in complex organisations
* Strong knowledge of WHS legislation and ISO 45001 principles
* Experience supporting multi-site or geographically dispersed workforces
* Proven ability to lead organisational change through influence rather than direct line management
* Strong communication skills with experience advising senior leaders, governance committees or Boards
Why this role matters
This role has been created to strengthen and future-proof safety across The Australian Ballet following a recent Safety Management System audit. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring safety systems are consistent, practical and embedded across rehearsals, productions, touring, technical operations, venues, facilities and corporate environments.
Success in this role means clear accountability for safety at all levels, improved confidence in governance at Executive and Board level, and a Safety Management System that genuinely supports day-to-day operations in a live performance environment.
A full Position Description outlining the scope and responsibilities of this role is available on The Australian Ballet Careers Site
Employee Benefits
* Complimentary ballet tickets
* Salary Packaging & Novated Leasing options
* Corporate Health Insurance
* Company Paid Parental Leave – 14 weeks for eligible employees
* Discounted onsite parking (Melbourne)
* LinkedIn Learning with La Trobe University
* A world class architecturally designed open plan head office in Southbank, Melbourne
* Generous partner discounts and offers
Employee Wellbeing
* Access to our onsite general practitioner (bulk billed)
* Employee Assistance Program – free confidential advice and counselling services
* Discounted memberships at Elixir Health Clubs and KAYA Health Clubs
Diversity and Inclusion
As Australia's National Ballet Company, we are deeply committed to cultivating and sustaining an organisation that is equitable, fair and inclusive. Our aim is to become a truly inclusive organisation with a workforce that reflects Australia today. This is fundamental to The Australian Ballet's future success and our ability to continue contributing to culture and society in Australia. We embrace diversity both on and off stage. The range of perspectives and experience diversity brings is an asset to our organisation and all those who work with us.
Our Values
Ambition | Boldness | Inclusivity | Respect | Responsibility
#J-18808-Ljbffr