Head of H&S Systems, Wellbeing and Assurance

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

About the Opportunity

This position provides leadership across the University for the specialist services in radiation, chemical, wellbeing and injury management as well as indirectly the assurance programs for biosafety and security.

The role will lead,

• the implementation of a new safety data management system
• the implementation of a replacement safety data management system
• the management and integrity of health and safety data
• the Executive and Council reporting providing accurate and timely analysis and insights.
• the University Critical Risk Process and maturity uplift.
• The line 2 assurance of all health, safety and wellbeing standards, including biosafety, biosecurity, radiation, chemical, occupational health, occupational hygiene, injury management/Return to Work and psychosocial risk.

Support and deputise for the Director Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the development of Health, Safety and wellbeing Strategy and plans at University

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and assistance to the Director – Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the development of health and safety plans, management systems and projects and actively participate and represent the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team on related committees networks and groups as required.
• Lead & support a team of specialists across H&S disciplines.
• Provide technical support to the generalist health and safety partnering teams.
• Maintain a high level understanding of current and emerging legislation and be able to provide strategic advice, analysis, interpretation, recommendations and/or decisions regarding legislative issues to clients, particularly to researchers, facility operation managers and senior management.
• Build personal and effective relationships with clients and external stakeholders and proactively take the initiative to consult on a broad scale where change will affect other University operations as well as promoting a positive culture around health, safety and wellbeing.
• Provide expert professional advice and consultancy to managers across the University to assist in management of complex issues relating to health, safety and wellbeing risk management.
• Proactively design and manage the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health, safety and wellbeing risk management strategies, polices and initiatives across the University.
• Ensure and promote compliance with relevant legislation and University policies and procedures, including equity and health & safety and exhibit good practice in relation to same. 
• Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the University’s Code of Conduct, and behave, act and communicate at all times to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism.

About you

• The occupant of this position will hold relevant graduate/postgraduate qualifications in health, safety and wellbeing and subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
• Extensive senior corporate experience in health, safety, and wellbeing functions.
• Proven expertise in executive-level reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• In-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety (OHS) systems and compliance frameworks.
• Strong background in assurance processes, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Extensive experience in workers compensation, injury management, and return-to-work programs.
• Committed to driving organisational wellbeing strategies and fostering a culture of safety and care.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check. Please note sponsorship is not available for this role. 

What we can offer

This is a 5 year fixed term opportunity based at Brisbane South (Nathan).  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. 

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Why join Griffith?



As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description. 
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Thursday 31st July @ 11:59PM. All applications must be submitted online.