Head of Safety, Health and Environment

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Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) plays a vital role in supporting Australia’s national defence capability through world-class shipbuilding infrastructure. As the organisation enters a significant growth phase, it’s an exciting time to join the team and contribute to shaping its next chapter.

Role Overview

This newly created position offers a unique opportunity to lead SHE across a complex, high-risk industrial environment. Reporting to the Executive General Manager Operations, you’ll be responsible for shaping and embedding best-practice safety systems and culture across all areas of the organisation.

You’ll drive the rollout of a refreshed Safety Management System, lead the SHE strategy, build internal capability, and ensure critical risks are well managed. With strong backing from senior leadership and exposure at Board level, you’ll be well positioned to make a genuine impact.

The role is primarily based at ANI’s Osborne facility, with regular presence also required at the office in the CBD. A 9-day fortnight and flexible start/finish times are available, though a strong onsite presence is expected to support leadership visibility and engagement.

About the Person

You’ll be a seasoned safety leader with experience working in operational or industrial settings—ideally in engineering, defence, manufacturing, or infrastructure. You’ve built or significantly shaped SHE functions before and know how to balance the strategic with the practical

To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be collaborative, proactive and confident engaging with all levels of the business—from boardrooms to worksites. A strong understanding of contractor safety, risk-based systems, and team building is essential.

As the role is based in a secure defence facility, Australian citizenship is required, and you must be eligible for NV1 security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the review, development and implementation of ANI’s SHE strategy and systems

· Champion a proactive, risk-based approach to safety across all levels of the organisation

· Drive safety performance through critical risk programs, assurance, and training

· Lead contractor safety management including onboarding, engagement, and KPI monitoring

· Oversee environmental and occupational health compliance across diverse work environments

· Partner with senior leaders and report to the Board on SHE performance and strategic progress

· Collaborate with internal teams to embed a safety-first culture during a period of rapid growth

· Ensure ANI’s SHE approach aligns with Defence requirements, legislation and best practice

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

· Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior safety leadership role

· Background in operational, infrastructure, or industrial environments

· Exposure to major construction/projects & Contract Management interfaces.

· Strong knowledge of SHE systems, contractor safety and regulatory frameworks

· Track record in cultural change and capability uplift

· Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

· Australian citizenship and eligibility for NV1 clearance

For more information please contact Joanne Murtagh on 08 7100 3078

Please note – all applicant resumes must be submitted in Word format only.

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