Hervey Bay, QLD | Salary up to approximately $111,000 + 12% superannuation
Public Sector People are proud to partner with Fraser Coast Regional Council to recruit an experienced Senior Safety & Wellbeing Business Partner.
This is an opportunity to join Council's People, Safety & Wellbeing function at an important time, supporting meaningful improvements to workplace safety across a large and diverse organisation.
With operations spanning water, waste management, construction, regulatory services, community facilities and customer-facing services, Council offers a varied environment where safety professionals can apply their expertise while developing experience across different operational areas.
Working closely with operational leaders and employees, you will provide specialist WHS advice, support the management of workplace risks and help build practical, sustainable safety practices.
Council recognises that no single safety professional can be an expert in every operational environment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute your individual strengths while working collaboratively within a team that brings together complementary experience and expertise.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Safety & Wellbeing Business Partner, you will work directly with operational teams to provide practical, solutions-focused safety advice and support.
You will play an important role in understanding the different risks and challenges across Council's operations, supporting leaders to implement effective safety practices and strengthening organisational safety capability.
The role will involve a combination of hands-on operational engagement, technical advice, risk management and continuous improvement.
You will also contribute to improvements in Council's safety systems, processes and documentation, supporting a longer-term approach to strengthening workplace safety.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Partnering with operational leaders and employees to provide specialist WHS advice, guidance and support
- Building strong relationships across Council's diverse operational environments
- Identifying, assessing and managing workplace health and safety risks
- Conducting workplace inspections, risk assessments and safety reviews
- Supporting workplace incident investigations, reporting and corrective actions
- Providing advice on WHS legislation, regulatory requirements and Council policies
- Supporting the identification and management of psychosocial hazards and workplace wellbeing risks
- Contributing to improvements in safety management systems, procedures and recordkeeping
- Developing practical safety solutions suited to different operational environments
- Supporting the delivery of WHS training, education and awareness initiatives
- Coaching and educating leaders and employees to strengthen safety capability and accountability
- Working collaboratively with other safety professionals to share expertise and deliver consistent outcomes
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across safety practices and processes
- Promoting a positive, proactive and solutions-focused safety culture
You will be an experienced WHS professional who enjoys working directly with people, understanding operational challenges and finding practical ways to improve workplace safety.
You will bring sound technical knowledge, strong relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate safety requirements clearly and effectively.
Importantly, you don't need to have worked across every industry represented within Council. You may bring particular strengths in areas such as construction, infrastructure, utilities, high-risk operations, customer-facing environments or psychosocial safety.
Council is interested in professionals who can contribute their expertise, collaborate with others and demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn and develop.
You'll bring:
- Experience in a WHS advisory, business partnering or similar safety-focused position
- Sound knowledge of WHS legislation, risk management and contemporary safety practices
- Experience supporting workplace inspections, risk assessments and incident investigations
- Strong communication, consultation and stakeholder engagement skills
- The ability to build relationships and influence safety behaviours across operational teams
- A practical, adaptable and solutions-focused approach to workplace safety
- Strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving capability
- An understanding of psychosocial hazards and workplace wellbeing responsibilities
- Experience contributing to safety management systems, procedures and continuous improvement
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across different business areas
- A proactive approach to professional development and knowledge sharing
- A genuine commitment to improving workplace safety and supporting others
- An AQF Level 5 Diploma in Work Health and Safety, supported by significant relevant experience
- Demonstrated experience in a WHS advisory or comparable safety role
Council also welcomes applications from candidates with transferable safety experience, the right attitude and a willingness to broaden their expertise.
Why Fraser Coast Regional Council?
Fraser Coast Regional Council serves the communities of Hervey Bay, Maryborough and surrounding areas, offering an attractive coastal lifestyle alongside a diverse and rewarding professional environment.
With a broad range of essential services and operational activities, Council provides safety professionals with the opportunity to develop their expertise, work with different business areas and make a genuine contribution to employee wellbeing.
This role offers the opportunity to join a safety function focused on building stronger partnerships, improving systems and developing practical approaches to workplace safety.
The role offers:
- A rewarding senior safety business partnering opportunity
- Salary up to approximately $111,000 + 12% superannuation, subject to classification and remuneration arrangements
- $6,000 relocation assistance for eligible candidates, available as a lump sum or reimbursement
- Council vehicle for commuter and business use, subject to applicable conditions
- Nine-day fortnight
- Four weeks' annual leave plus five days' additional recreation leave under the applicable employment package
- Long service leave accessible on a pro-rata basis after five years, subject to applicable conditions
- Professional development and leadership development opportunities
- Generous study assistance scheme
- Access to Council's Employee Assistance Program
- Paid parental leave and emergency services leave
- Uniform subsidy and employee recognition initiatives
- A values-based organisational culture
- Modern administration facilities overlooking the beach
- The opportunity to broaden your safety experience across diverse operational environments
- An attractive coastal lifestyle in the Fraser Coast region
If you are a proactive, engaging WHS professional looking to broaden your experience and make a genuine impact, we would like to hear from you.
Apply Now
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter via the "Apply Now" button or contact:
Elle Muller
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Public Sector People
E: emuller@publicsectorpeople.com.au
M: 0401 859 614
Applications close: Friday 4th December
Applications will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted throughout the campaign. Council reserves the right to close the process early if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.
