At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety strategy and ensure compliance across laboratory and workplace environments.
- Company: Join a leading research institute committed to safety and excellence.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, salary packaging options, and generous superannuation contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape a proactive safety culture that supports world-class research and innovation.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Occupational Health and Safety or related field; extensive safety leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 176638 - 191197 $ per year.
Shape the future of safety at The Institute by leading enterprise-wide safety strategy, regulatory compliance and cultural transformation across laboratory and workplace environments.
About the Position
Reporting to the Director, Ethics and Integrity, the role is accountable for developing, implementing and ongoing assurance of the Institute’s safety strategy, governance framework and programs across laboratory and enterprise workplace safety. This includes oversight of regulatory compliance, organisational safety performance, safety risk management, and continuous improvement, while driving a positive and mature safety culture that promotes shared accountability and proactive risk management at all levels of The Institute.
Who are you
You are a collaborative and influential safety leader who thrives in complex and dynamic environments. Partnering with researchers, operational leaders and Professional Services teams, you bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to health, safety and assurance. You are passionate about strengthening governance, building capability and embedding effective safety practices that support world-class research. Above all, you champion a proactive culture where safety is valued not as a requirement, but as a key enabler of excellence.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
- Relevant tertiary qualification and/or postgraduate qualification in Occupational Health and Safety, Science or related discipline.
- Extensive experience leading safety functions within a complex, highly regulated organisation.
- Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to executive leaders and governance bodies.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary safety programs spanning laboratory and enterprise workplace safety.
Personal Qualities:
- Demonstrates strong leadership, sound judgement and accountability when managing complex, sensitive or escalated laboratory safety matters.
- Communicates clearly, confidently and constructively, including when providing advice or recommendations on difficult issues.
- Balances safety, compliance, research priorities and operational needs to achieve practical and sustainable outcomes.
Terms of Appointment
This position is ongoing in a full-time capacity. Base salary is Professional Services Employee Level 10 ($176,638 to $191,197). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.
Application Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 13 October 2026; however, we will be reviewing applications as they are received, and WEHI reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing this opportunity.
Senior Manager, Health, Safety & Assurance in Melbourne employer: WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
At The Institute, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a proactive safety culture and values the contributions of our employees. Located in a dynamic research environment, we offer competitive salaries, attractive salary packaging options, and a commitment to professional development, ensuring that our team members grow alongside our mission of excellence in health and safety. Join us to lead transformative safety strategies that not only comply with regulations but also foster a collaborative and innovative workplace culture.
Contact Details:
WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Recruitment Team
