Unit Manager Safety and HR Operations - Join a Leading Company

About Us:

Merri-bek, located just a short distance from Melbourne’s bustling CBD, is a vibrant and diverse community renowned for its dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. Our city thrives on a rich mix of cultures and ideas, creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. At Merri-bek, we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and forward-thinking community for all.

The Role:

As the Unit Manager Safety and HR Operations, you will be instrumental in shaping the safety and human resource landscape of Merri-bek. Reporting directly to the Manager People and Safety, you will oversee the Safety and HR Operations unit, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting a positive, inclusive workplace culture. This role involves strategic leadership and operational management, driving initiatives that enhance employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing safety programs, leading HR operations, including oversight and delivery for Council’s Workforce Plan, Gender Equality Plan, the First People’s Employment Plan, Diversity and Inclusion actions, as well as the Employee Value Proposition to enhance recruitment outcomes. You will also provide expert advice on both the Strategic Safety Plan and HR Operational Plans. You will collaborate with various departments to ensure alignment with organisational goals and foster a culture of safety and respect. With a total team size of 10, the role includes leadership of the following;
  
Safety Unit:  Safety Adviser, Safety & Environment Adviser, Occupational Rehabilitation & Wellbeing Adviser, Child Safe Adviser
  
HR Unit: Recruitment Business Partner, HR Officer, First Nations Employment Officer, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, People and Safety Administration Officer and HR Administration Officer 
  
Duties and Responsibilities:

As the Unit Manager, you will deliver high-quality workplace health, safety, and well-being services, promoting a culture that ensures safe work methods and reduces injury risk. You will oversee and continuously improve OHS management systems through audits, data analysis, and compliance with legislation. The successful applicant will drive safety management processes, including incident management, workers' compensation, and return to work. You will develop and implement OHS strategic plans and provide management with information on serious OHS risks. You will lead or support OHS committees, investigations, and risk assessments. Additionally, you will ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, and HR operations, including contracting, documentation, and HR system administration. As the Unit Manager, you will champion diversity and inclusion by implementing relevant plans and policies. You will support best practice HR data and reporting, and oversee the development and review of HR policies and procedures. You will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure safe and collaborative team operations within budget and timeframes.

Qualifications and Experience:

To succeed in this role, you will preferably have a degree or Post Graduate qualification in OHS or HR, or a relevant management discipline (highly desirable). Proven experience in team management, leading change, and continuous improvement is essential. You should have significant OHS experience in a complex environment, some experience with Child Safe legislation is desirable and its organizational impact, strong decision-making skills, and strategic thinking abilities. Strong communication skills for effective stakeholder interaction, project management, and compliance related to People, Safety, and Wellbeing are also desirable. A Working with Children Check is mandatory.

Application:

If you are passionate about safety and human resources and are eager to contribute to the success and well-being of the community, we encourage you to apply.

Applications for this role will close on June 28th, 2024. 
 
Merri-bek is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

For inquiries or to receive the Position Description, contact Marcel Lafontaine ([email protected] or 0423 668 753) or Cheri Randell ([email protected] or0466 699 297) from Public Sector People.