Nova Partners Executive Search & Selection – Canberra ACT
12-Month Contract (with extension potential)
Leading Defence Technology Group
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established, highly regarded organisation operating in Canberra's defence and technology sector. As part of a continued investment in workplace safety, they are seeking an experienced
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Lead/Manager – Projects
to lead and deliver a defined program of priority WHS improvement initiatives across the business.
This is a hands‐on, individual‐contributor role for an experienced WHS professional who enjoys taking projects from initial assessment through to design, consultation, implementation and handover — rather than a day‐to‐day site safety management position.
They are very focused on their values and teamwork, sharing ideas and celebrating team success, respecting every role and person in the business, and growing whilst retaining this positive workplace model.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief People Officer and working closely with the internal WHSE team, operational leaders, employees and contractors, you will lead a portfolio of safety improvement projects, including:
Hazardous chemical management
– reviewing and strengthening the chemical management framework, registers, safety data sheets and controls
Emergency planning and response
– updating emergency management plans, emergency response procedures, and supporting emergency exercises
Contractor safety management
– improving contractor on‐boarding, induction, prequalification, risk assessment and implementing a contractor safety verification program
Training and verification of competency
– establishing frameworks for WHS training, licensing,



competency recording and verification for safety‐critical roles
WHS management system documentation
– reviewing and updating WHS policies, procedures, work instructions and supporting documentation to align with current work flow processes
Project delivery governance
– developing project plans, milestones and reporting, and transitioning completed projects to business‐as‐usual owners
About You
Demonstrated experience delivering WHS projects within a complex operational, engineering, manufacturing, construction or similarly regulated environment
Solid working knowledge of the Commonwealth WHS Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice and contemporary WHS management principles
Practical experience in one or more: hazardous chemicals management, contractor safety assurance, emergency management, WHS document review or verification of competency frameworks
Proven ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational solutions, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
Relevant tertiary or diploma‐level qualification in WHS, OHS, risk management or a related discipline
A pragmatic, collaborative approach and the ability to work independently and drive projects to completion
Formal project management qualification or demonstrated project delivery track record
Experience within an ISO *****‐aligned WHS management system
Experience in defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering or another highly regulated sector
Experience with hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods management
Essential:
Due to the nature of this engagement, applicants
must be Australian citizens
who already have a Baseline Security Clearance and willing to secure an NV1 security clearances.
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📌 Manager Whs - Projects (Canberra)
🏢 NOVA Partners Executive Search & Selection
📍 Canberra