Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• People and Culture | Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Attractive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience, plus 17% superannuation
• Full-time opportunity with relocation assistance available for interstate candidates

The Opportunity

Join the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) as our Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing and help shape a university where people thrive, because they feel safe, supported and empowered.

As the Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at UniSC, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a culture where safety, support and wellbeing are part of the everyday experience, whether in a research lab, lecture theatre, remote fieldwork site or campus office. While this is a strategic leadership position, it’s also deeply connected to day-to-day operations. You’ll lead a team of capable WHS and return-to-work specialists, supporting their growth while overseeing incident management, risk assessment, compliance, and the development of practical, people-centred systems and tools.

Your days will vary, some may focus on engaging with senior leaders to embed safety into university-wide planning or reviewing key data to inform strategic direction, while others might involve walking the campuses, supporting academic staff with unique risk profiles, or responding to emerging issues in real-time. You’ll be both a visible leader and a trusted advisor, translating regulatory obligations and best practice into tangible outcomes across UniSC’s diverse and multi-site environment. This is an opportunity to shape long-term cultural change and operational excellence in a growing, values-led university.

You will

• Lead and support a small team of health, safety, wellbeing and injury management specialists, creating a culture of proactive support, capability building and continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior leaders to implement and evaluate the University’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) strategy, embedding a safety-first mindset into daily operations and long-term planning across all campuses.
• Provide expert risk management advice and oversight on health and safety matters, guiding departments, schools, research centres and institutes in best practice.
• Develop and manage HSW reporting systems that enable evidence-based decision making, monitor performance, and inform strategic priorities.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of HSW governance frameworks, systems and processes to ensure compliance, drive consistency, and support the university’s strategic direction.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and ethical workplace by leading training and awareness programs, overseeing injury management and compliance, and supporting the broader People and Culture team.

About you

You’re an experienced leader, combining strategic oversight with deep operational expertise and a proven ability to build trust and drive transformative change within complex, people-centred organisations. You navigate the intersection of long-term strategic planning and day-to-day operational demands with exceptional judgement, and a collaborative leadership style that resonates across all levels, from frontline teams to executive leadership.

You’ll bring a diversity of experience, ideally across large, multi-site or complex organisations with diverse staffing profiles, and a passion for translating best practice into tangible outcomes. You’re ready to lead the continued evolution of UniSC’s health, safety and wellbeing function, advancing strategic goals while delivering practical, people-focused solutions with integrity and accountability.

You will possess:

• Proven leadership experience in managing health, safety and wellbeing functions within large, complex organisations.
• Deep expertise in contemporary safety concepts, systems, and leadership practices across multi-site environments.
• A strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to design and embed a proactive, safety-first culture that supports organisational goals and drives sustainable, long-term impact across complex environments.
• A successful track record in leading and developing high-performing HSW teams.
• Strong knowledge of governance frameworks, risk management, and evidence-based HSW program delivery, including mental health initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.
• A strong appreciation of the strategic alignment between HSW and broader People and Culture strategies.
• Ability to work primarily from our Sippy Downs campus on the beautiful Sunshine Coast for four days per week. (Relocation assistance is available for successful candidates relocating from interstate).

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description:  493302_PD.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact [email protected]

We will be reviewing applications and contacting suitable candidates throughout the duration of this advertisement. We strongly encourage you to submit your interest as soon as possible.

Your completed application must include a resume and a cover letter (not to exceed two pages), which will be reviewed in alignment to the selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Deborah Walker, Director, People and Culture
Email: [email protected]

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South-East Queensland and our new UniSC Adelaide footprint.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.