Job Title:  Work Health & Safety Manager

• Melbourne (preferred), Adelaide or Canberra

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. With more than 8,000 employees worldwide - including 800+ here in Australia - we deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.

Following a strategic redesign, we’ve sharpened our focus and are investing in the future - starting with the people who will help shape it. 

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there’s never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.

Reporting to the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Lead, the Work Health & Safety (WHS) Manager is responsible for helping ensure that the QinetiQ work health and safety policy and standards are implemented effectively across all QinetiQ Australian activities, whilst also complying with state based legislative requirements. This role provides specialist functional support and advice at all levels within the organisation in Australia, in addition to identifying, implementing, and leveraging WHS solutions and best practice.  

It is an important role and it is one that needs a special person who not only knows the technical side of the house but also one who can coach, guide and bring others on the journey.

In terms of location, our preference is that this role is based in Melbourne however applicants in Adelaide or Canberra are welcome to apply.

If this role becomes yours, you will:

• Be responsible for the QinetiQ Australia WHS arrangements and help ensure their appropriate and effective implementation across the Australian operations
• Define and oversee the QinetiQ Australia Safety Management System
• Effectively implement the QinetiQ 3-lines of assurance model
• Present a full and accurate picture of QinetiQ Australia WHS performance for senior management review and action
• Engage and consult to support an open, inclusive, positive WHS culture which will identify improvements, help maintain legal compliance and minimise risks
• Provide oversight and guidance for the training and development of those in critical safety roles
• Provide specialist WHS advice and support to all levels within the QinetiQ Australia organisation
• Review safety performance across QinetiQ Australia, including audits and major incidents improvements to completion and escalating as appropriate.
• Continuously improve systems to manage and monitor Health & Safety Performance and monitor compliance

In terms of qualifications, skills and experience, as our ideal applicant, you will present with:

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree or an equivalent nationally recognised professional qualification coupled with substantial post qualification experience in the work, health and safety leadership in the defence industry or in a similar, high-risk engineering/ industrial related industry
• Expert knowledge and experience in the implementation of WHS regulations
• Experience in audit and incident management processes and systems
• Superior organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Results driven and improvement orientation
• A collaborative and engaging style including an ability to bring others on the journey

Due to the nature of our business, applicants must also be eligible for Australian Defence security clearance.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Cathy Riach, Talent Acquisition Director (clriach@qinetiq.com.au).  A position description is available upon request.

Closing date for applications is 22nd August, 2025

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Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You’ll share in the company’s success, and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

• Access to LinkedIn Learning and professional development
• Flexible work
• Purchased leave program & loyalty leave

• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

• Annual incentive scheme
• Complimentary salary continuance insurance
• Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
• Relaxed dress code

As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans and First Nations people. 

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.