Head of HSE Operations

About the role

A major Australian passenger transport operator, represented by Arete Executive, is looking for a Head of HSE Operations to lead safety performance across approximately 70 operational sites. The role connects the boardroom with the frontline, turning national safety strategy into action and strengthening safety governance, reporting, incident communication and operational assurance. It is based in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide.

Key responsibilities

• Lead national safety governance, reporting, incident communication and operational assurance
• Strengthen ICAM investigation standards and improve data integrity
• Accelerate corrective action closure and set up forums that give leaders clarity and results
• Listen first, then build trust and understand how work really happens
• Within 3 months establish strong relationships, assess the national operating model and deliver practical improvements
• By 6 months make reporting and governance stable, improve investigation quality and turn lessons learned into verified action
• Within 12 months reduce recurring incidents so that safety is seen as an operational advantage
• Spend time in depots, coach local teams through difficult moments and hold leaders accountable

Required profile

• Degree-level qualifications and substantial experience in transport, heavy vehicles, mining, manufacturing or another high-risk setting
• Accomplished HSE leader with serious incident ICAM expertise
• Practical knowledge of Australian WHS legislation
• Data literacy to identify meaningful trends across a complex network
• Leadership style that builds credibility, asks incisive questions and simplifies complexity
• Unrestricted working rights in Australia; pre-employment checks will be conducted