Safety Risk and Assurance Manager in Sydney

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage. Lead safety assurance, influence organisational risk, and help create safer workplaces across NSW.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Safety, Risk and Assurance Manager to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of safety risk and assurance frameworks across the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). This is a rewarding opportunity to influence safety performance at a whole-of-department level, working closely with executive leaders, WHS professionals and business groups to strengthen safety governance, drive compliance and embed a mature and contemporary safety culture.

Reporting to the Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, you will lead department-wide safety assurance programs that provide senior leadership with confidence in the effectiveness of the safety management system. You will develop and implement assurance frameworks, oversee safety risk management practices, and provide expert advice to support informed decision‑making across a large and geographically dispersed workforce.

The role offers a unique opportunity to influence organisational strategy, collaborate across a diverse operational and regulatory environment, and drive improvements that enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of employees working across metropolitan, regional and remote locations.

About You

You are a proven WHS leader with extensive experience in safety risk management, assurance, governance or compliance within a complex organisation. You bring a strong understanding of contemporary safety management systems and are passionate about using assurance and risk insights to drive meaningful organisational improvement.

• Have demonstrated experience developing and embedding safety risk and assurance frameworks within a large or complex organisation.
• Possess strong knowledge of WHS legislation, regulations, standards and contemporary best practice.
• Possess strong knowledge and can demonstrate experience developing and implementing WHS Due Diligence frameworks across a large or complex organisation.
• Be able to influence, engage and build credibility with senior leaders and stakeholders across diverse business functions.
• Have highly developed analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify systemic risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Demonstrate experience leading assurance activities, audits, reviews or verification programs that drive measurable safety improvements.
• Recognised Lead Auditor qualification in occupational health and safety management systems, such as ISO 45001 Lead Auditor training, or an equivalent recognised WHS auditing qualification is desirable.
• Be an exceptional communicator who can translate complex technical information into clear and actionable advice.
• Enjoy leading teams, building capability and fostering a positive and collaborative safety culture.

This role will suit a strategic thinker who thrives on influencing change, improving organisational safety performance and delivering assurance outcomes that support a safer workplace for all.

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or demonstrated equivalent experience.

For more information read the full Role Description: Safety, Risk and Assurance Manager.

Who we are: The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

Applications close Thursday 12th November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.