Health and Safety Manager

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Directorate of Navy Safety and Health (NAVOSH) are motivated to provide Health and Safety advice, support and guidance to their Navy colleagues and stakeholders at the Base. We will support the Chief of Navy to protect every person – military and civilian – involved in the delivery of Naval capability.

As the Health and Safety Manager for the Navy you will be responsible for the management and overview of the Navy safety management system, with the aim of enhancing safety best practice in policy, audit, assessment, education and training.  

You will support Health and Safety activities at all levels of the Navy to ensure they are able to be performed in a manner consistent with NZDF policy, and legislative and regulatory requirements with respect to occupational health and safety.

You will be required to:

• Provide subject matter expertise on health and safety matters to senior leaders, commanders and civilian managers at all levels of the organisation.
• Lead Navy health and safety assurance and provide guidance to ensure Navy and NZDF safety policy alignment.
• Develop, review and report on safety management systems, practices, processes and standards.
• Provide leadership with regular analysis on safety performance, compliance, accident statistics and health and safety related corporate and organisational risk.
• Advise on health and safety training, including safety professional development at all levels.
• Manage and lead Navy health and safety audits and assessments, to evaluate and report on safety compliance and performance, to the appropriate standard.
• Manage and oversee the safety reporting function and the NZDF safety-reporting tool for Navy.
• Lead the Navy Safety Advisors, Safety Education Manager, Emergency Management Officer and Safety Assessment Manager.

Your outputs will ensure the effective management, oversight and continual improvement of Navy health and safety at all levels, alongside the wider NAVOSH leadership team.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for an experienced health and safety leader with in-depth knowledge of New Zealand health and safety legislation and pursuant regulations, their applications and implications. You will have knowledge of all regulatory requirements including the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

You will have excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills that contribute to positive engagement and clear communication at all levels of the organisation from senior leaders to junior soldiers.

Ideally, you will have:

• 10-15 years' experience in health and safety management in a diverse organisation.
• Experience in effective leadership and management, including the promotion of an effective team culture to achieve high performance.
• Experience in policy development and implementation.
• A high level of initiative and a proven ability to continuously improve systems and processes.
• Expert knowledge of health and safety and risk management principles and systems.
• Interpersonal skills to relate confidently and professionally with a wide range of people.
• A relevant health and safety qualification.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. We're recognised for our efforts; being Rainbow Tick Certified, holding a Gender Tick Advanced Accreditation. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 1 April 2024.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided in this country continuously for at least the last five years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.