Are you ready to be a part of something exceptional? Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

Reporting to the Group Manager - Community Engagement and Corporate Services, the Manager - Health, Safety and Wellbeing is a pivotal leadership position responsible for driving a high-level, strategic approach to health, safety, and wellbeing across the Invercargill City Council.

This position will lead the development and implementation of our Health, Safety and Wellbeing strategy and frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements while advising all levels of the organisation and leading initiatives that foster a safe, supportive workplace.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Providing expert advice, shaping policy, and leading initiatives that support a safe and supportive working environment.
• Develop and embed Council's Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy aligned with best practice and organisational goals.
• Provide high-level guidance and reporting on health, safety and wellbeing risk, compliance and legislative matters to leaders within the organisation, the Risk and Assurance Committee and Council.
• Foster collaboration and strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Promote and lead Council-wide initiatives focused on mental health, stress management and overall wellbeing.
• Oversee performance monitoring, incident investigations, audits, and risk mitigation plans.
• Ensure Council's compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, relevant regulations and audit frameworks.

What you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Health and Safety Management, Risk Management or a related discipline or equivalent level of knowledge.
• Minimum 10 year's proven experience in a health and safety management leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience in leading staff including recruitment, performance management and implementing new initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of current health and safety legislation, audit processes, and best practice.
• Experience in the development and implementation of risk, health and safety management strategies, systems, policy, processes, hazard ID and reporting
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills - with the ability to influence, educate and collaborate across all levels.
• Demonstrated report writing and presentation experience preferably within the Local Government context.
• A proactive, strategic mindset and the ability to drive cultural change in a supportive and inclusive manner.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new direction in strategic health, safety and wellbeing leadership within the Invercargill City Council. We want to hear from individuals who can bring systems thinking and a pragmatic approach to reshaping workplace safety; individuals that want to make a significant impact.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

For more information please see the full position description or contact the Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777. Please don't apply directly via SEEK as we won't receive your application.

Apply online at Careers | Invercargill City Council (icc.govt.nz)

Applications close 4 May 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently residing in New Zealand.