Are you an experienced Safety Leader who is passionate about building safe and supportive workplaces?

Merriwa Industries is seeking a proactive Safety Manager to lead the organisation’s safety strategy, compliance and culture across multiple operational areas.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in a values-driven not-for-profit organisation.

About Merriwa

Merriwa Industries is a well-respected not-for-profit organisation based in North East Victoria, providing employment and support services for people with disability while delivering a range of commercial services to the local community.

Merriwa is a social enterprise that is built on strong values of respect, inclusion, opportunity and safety, and they are committed to providing workplaces where every person feels valued and supported.

About The Role

Reporting to the Senior Manager Compliance, the Safety Manager will provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of Occupational Health and Safety systems and strategies, ensuring full compliance with Victorian Legislation and WorkSafe Victoria guidelines.

Key responsibilities include:

- Provide critical safety support to the Senior Manager Compliance, ensuring effective workflows, clear delegation and timely delivery of targets across the safety team
- Provide regular and adhoc reporting for stakeholders to demonstrate safety performance across the organisation
- Develop, implement and monitor the annual OHS Operational Plan
- Strengthen the OHS management framework to ensure consistent application across divisions
- Conduct and oversee incident investigations ensuring corrective and preventative actions are implemented and their effectiveness verified
- Support leaders with risk assessments,



safety planning and hazard management
- Maintain emergency preparedness across Merriwa sites
- Manage risk analysis processes and collaborate on practical solutions for improvements in methods of work, traffic management, material handling, plant and equipment and ergonomic design
- Deliver safety training and promoting a strong safety culture
- Use data to drive decisions, leveraging Merriwa’s safety management system and digital reporting tools to monitor, lead and lag indicators, conduct audits/inspections, analyse trends, and report on performance
- Manage contractor and supplier safety, including pre-qualifications, inductions, permits to work, audits and assurance activities

Location: Wodonga or Wangaratta

Base (travel to Wangaratta will be required 3 days a week, with a pool car available for use)

About You

We are looking for someone who can influence leaders, build capability and drive continuous improvement in safety.

You will bring:

- Qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety or related discipline
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant Victorian Health and Safety legislation
- Experience in a safety management role, ideally within manufacturing or the disability/ not for profit sector
- RTW coordinator accreditations
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment and demonstrated capacity to act independently within established guidelines, exercising discretion and sounds judgement
- The ability to build a positive safety culture across diverse teams

Why Join Merriwa?

- Make a real impact in a community-focused organisation
- Be proud of your role in a remarkable social enterprise
- Work with a supportive and collaborative team
- Contribute to safer workplaces and employee wellbeing
- Market-competitive salary based on experience

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📌 Safety Leader (Wodonga)
🏢 Sawyer Sourcing
📍 Wodonga