WHSEQ Manager – NSW in Sydney

Brightwood Group is seeking an experienced and hands-on WHSEQ Manager to lead and continually strengthen our Work Health & Safety, Environment and Quality function across the business. This is a key leadership role for someone who understands high-risk operational environments, builds strong relationships and can combine robust compliance with a practical, solutions-focused approach. The successful candidate will take ownership of Brightwood’s Group-wide WHSEQ management systems and standards, supporting our current operations and ensuring the framework can effectively accommodate future divisions, businesses and service lines.

The Role

You will lead WHSEQ across Brightwood, providing practical leadership, advice and assurance while maintaining strong systems, consistent standards and regulatory compliance. This is a hands-on role with a strong presence across our projects and operations. We want someone who is visible in the field, understands what is happening on site and works collaboratively with our teams to achieve strong WHSEQ outcomes.

• Leading and continually improving Brightwood’s Group-wide WHSEQ management systems, policies and procedures
• Managing ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 requirements, including certification, surveillance and internal and external audits
• Providing WHSEQ advice and support to the Executive Team, management, project teams, site teams and wider business
• Maintaining a strong field presence through inspections, audits and assurance activities across projects and operations
• Monitoring compliance with WHS legislation, Codes of Practice, environmental requirements, quality standards, client requirements and company procedures
• Identifying critical and high-risk activities and verifying that appropriate controls are effectively implemented in the field
• Supporting risk assessments, SWMS, site planning and project-specific WHSEQ requirements
• Overseeing contractor and subcontractor requirements including prequalification, licences, competencies, inductions, SWMS and ongoing performance
• Managing incidents, injuries, hazards, near misses and non-conformances, including investigation, corrective actions, trend analysis and close-out
• Maintaining WHSEQ metrics, dashboards and management reporting, providing clear visibility of performance, material risks and areas requiring attention
• Developing WHSEQ training, competency, consultation and engagement initiatives across the business
• Overseeing quality management including inspections, ITPs, NCRs, defects and corrective actions
• Managing environmental compliance and relevant occupational health risks, including exposure monitoring, psychosocial hazards and return-to-work requirements
• Supporting tender, prequalification, client audit and WHSEQ submission requirements
• Maintaining effective WHSEQ document control and supporting client relationships on WHSEQ matters
• Identifying opportunities to simplify, integrate and automate WHSEQ systems and processes, reducing unnecessary administration without weakening controls or compliance
• Ensuring WHSEQ requirements are considered when Brightwood introduces new businesses, services or trades
• Escalating material risks and significant compliance failures, including requiring work to cease where an immediate serious or uncontrolled risk exists

About You

We’re looking for an experienced WHSEQ professional with strong practical judgement and the confidence to operate effectively from senior management level through to the field. You will be comfortable challenging poor practice when required, but your approach will be collaborative, practical and focused on finding safe and compliant ways to enable the business to operate effectively. You will ideally bring:

• Strong HSEQ experience within construction or another comparable high-risk environment such as facilities maintenance, electrical, trade services or engineering
• Strong knowledge of NSW WHS legislation and high-risk work requirements
• Experience managing integrated WHSEQ and ISO management systems
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, contractor management, audits, assurance and incident investigation
• Strong understanding of quality and environmental management
• Strong written, communication and stakeholder-management skills
• The ability to influence behaviour and maintain high standards without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
• Strong systems and data capability, with an interest in technology, automation and process improvement
• Relevant WHS or HSEQ qualifications, with Diploma-level or tertiary qualifications highly regarded
• Lead Auditor and formal incident investigation qualifications such as ICAM, or equivalent capability, highly regarded
• A current driver licence and willingness to regularly attend operational sites

The Person We’re Looking For

Strong WHSEQ performance is about more than documentation. Good systems matter, but so do leadership, judgement, consistency and the behaviours demonstrated in the field every day. We want someone who is uncompromising on safety, legal compliance and critical controls, while also being prepared to challenge unnecessary bureaucracy and processes that add little practical safety value. You’ll be approachable, commercially aware and solutions-focused, with the confidence to challenge when necessary and the judgement to work with our teams to find practical and compliant solutions.

Our Culture

Culture is important to Brightwood. We are a connected, down-to-earth business where people work together, communicate openly and support one another. We value confidence and professionalism without ego. This role will suit someone who is collaborative, approachable and comfortable being part of the team while still maintaining high standards.

What’s On Offer

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of the WHSEQ function within an established and growing business. You’ll have direct access to senior leadership, strong involvement with our project and operational teams and the opportunity to influence how WHSEQ systems, culture and performance continue to develop across Brightwood. A competitive salary package will be offered to attract the right person. If you are an experienced WHSEQ professional who enjoys working with people, improving systems and driving practical, high-quality outcomes, we’d like to hear from you.