Operations Safety Manager VIC

About John Holland:

At John Holland, our purpose is simple – we transform lives with everything we do.

We’ve always known that infrastructure is about people — our customers, our employees, and the communities in which we work every day.

That’s our difference. Deep experience and capability with a genuine care about creating better lives for people along the way.

Be part of the team that’s up for the challenge of transforming lives for good.

About the role:

As our Operations Safety Manager (Victoria) supports regional sites by implementing Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) systems, programs, and risk‑management frameworks. The role partners with operational leaders to ensure compliance with Victorian OHS legislation, strengthen critical‑risk controls, and embed consistent safety standards across diverse operational environments. A key focus is driving a proactive, accountable safety culture through leader coaching, capability building, and integrating safety into operational planning and daily decision‑making.

The role leads or supports incident investigations, analyses safety data to identify trends, and delivers targeted improvement initiatives that reduce risk exposure. It also involves regular site engagement, contractor oversight, facilitation of safety committees and training, and ensuring emergency preparedness. Through visible leadership and practical guidance, the Operations Safety Manager lifts safety performance and supports continuous improvement across the Victorian region.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive TRM (Total Remuneration Package/Management)


• Extensive Employee benefits program with discounted Tech, Travel Retail and more!


• Two extra wellbeing leave days per year for personal use


• 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers, with no minimum employment period required with paid 18 weeks of superannuation during unpaid parental leave for primary carers (industry‑leading)


• Flexible Work Framework offering multiple flexible work options


• Multicultural Leave Exchange, allowing employees to swap public holidays for culturally significant days


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential mental‑health and relationship support for employees and immediate family


• Strong career development pathways, with over 1,400 internal role transitions in the past year


• Formal mentoring, sponsorship, and leadership development programs


• Office location: Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide technical direction and support both the Leadership team and projects to develop and implement an effective culture that is focused on HSE and driving business improvement.


• Support the implementation of HSE strategies, systems and initiatives across the region and report progress to regional and Group leadership teams.


• Develop and deliver HSE education, as well as compliance and improvement programs for employees, clients, contractors and visitors.


• Oversee rehabilitation and return to work activities.


• Ensure that the region maintains robust HSE risk management processes, capability, focus and discipline.


• Oversee and govern the accuracy and quality of investigations for all Class 1 & 2 incidents, including actions to prevent future occurrences.


• Provide specialist HSE advice and input to business unit during tendering, project planning and project delivery.


• Develop positive relationships with key stakeholders including Government Agency representatives. 


• Representing Building, provide input and support broader business wide HSC initiatives. 


• Review specific high-risk planned works to be undertaken to ensure compliance with the method of work.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelors' degree (or equivalent) in Science, Safety, Environment Management, Sustainability and/or other associated disciplines.


• Safety Lead Auditor Qualification, Internal Environmental Auditor Qualification, Diploma of Quality Auditing (highly regarded).


• Experience in Building/Construction with strong onsite experience.


• Passion for driving change and governance across Building projects.


• Generalist Quality Management experience. 


• Solid knowledge and application of Audit Management practices. 


• Experience driving project system implementation.


• Strong demonstrated experience in Stakeholder engagement including internal and external parties. 


• Ability to travel across projects across the region.

As part of the team, you help us deliver on our promise to transform lives

Your success is reflected in ours, so we're committed to being an employer of choice. We pride ourselves on having a diverse and inclusive workplace, as different perspectives and ideas will deliver our long-term success.

We want you to be with us for the long-term, so providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority.

What's in it for you:

We're about connecting your sense of purpose to ours. We understand that your career is one of the biggest ways to have an impact on the world. We also believe in supporting you as a whole person, not just an employee.

We reward and support our people in so many ways. This starts with being flexible about how different people like to work. From generous leave policies to wellbeing and relationship support, your needs sit at the heart of our employee benefits.