Head of Health and Safety

Overview:

• ​​Full-time​, ​Continuing position​  

• 10C + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements 

• Based at the ​Melbourne CBD​ campus, ​and hybrid ways of working​ 

About Role

The Head of Health and Safety position, reporting into the Executive Director, Health, Safety and Risk is a specialist role responsible for managing a range of complex health and safety consultancies covering a wide range of legislation and risks. This role will encompass the management of key projects as identified by respective stakeholders and legislative changes as well as the review, development and implementation of innovative health and safety strategies, policies, and programs. 

It is also accountable for the development and delivery of health and safety training packages and information sessions as well as regular reporting, analysis and monitoring of health and safety performance are also key aspects of the role.

Responsible for leveraging extensive expertise in leading a comparable function and team, with full accountability for delivering strategic organisational health and safety outcomes through sound and effective decision-making. The role requires the ability to analyse complex organisational health and safety information and demonstrate expertise in the development and implementation of strategic health and safety initiatives aligned with broader people strategy.

 

To be successful in this position, you’ll have:

• Strong knowledge of OHS legislation and safety management systems, including psychosocial risk management, biological and radiation safety.  

• Proven leadership experience growing and nurturing team capability and engagement. 

• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to drive change and a strong safety culture.  

• Strong experience delivering health and safety consultancy services within a large, diverse organisation, with ideally some public sector/government and/or Tertiary education sector exposure. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions to complex issues.  

• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to support business objectives.  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a client-focused team.  

• Strong written communication skills, including reports, proposals, policies and audit documentation. 

• Tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety or a related field, or equivalent education and/or substantial relevant experience.  

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the ​Portfolio​ 

The Health, Safety & Risk (HSR) team are a team of strategic professionals providing outstanding, client focused, proactive and effective solutions and services for all RMIT staff. Our success is achieved by understanding our business and operating as a business partner to our clients. We deliver responsive, innovative and practical solutions and services. The HSR team operate in a manner that supports the RMIT values and achievement of the business objectives. By providing tailored, quality services and products and ensuring a high level of expert support and advice, the HSR team will enhance

College/Portfolio and Groups ability to meet their business objectives. This in turn will allow the University staff to better support the current and future student population at the University.

To Apply  

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing ​the Key Selection Criteria​ for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.  

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Bianca Jenkins via email [email protected].   

Position Description

Applications Close:

30 Oct 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. 

 

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.  All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.  Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

 

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via [email protected] or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

 

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.