WHS Manager – Field Operations

WHS Manager – Field Operations (National) FAMASO is seeking an experienced WHS Manager – Field Operations to lead our safety culture by focusing on prevention first. In this senior national role, you will combine WHS leadership with a hands‑on field presence to ensure every operation, from rope access and EWP/BMU to drone flights, pressure washing, and specialist cleaning – is planned and executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all WHS laws and standards. Your mission will be to embed safe systems of work upfront, so that hazards are identified and controlled before work begins, and our teams are set up for success with zero harm. As the WHS Manager – Field Operations, you will be the champion of proactive safety: conducting site audits, coaching teams on best practices, leading pre‑start briefings, and continually improving our safety processes. Incident management and investigation remain important aspects of the role – you will provide calm leadership and expert guidance if critical events occur – but these reactive duties are secondary to building robust preventive systems and behaviours. Your success will be measured not just by how well incidents are handled, but by how few occur. In partnership with State and Service Managers, you will drive a culture of vigilance, empowerment, and continuous improvement, ensuring that every technician goes home safely each day. This is an inspiring opportunity for a WHS professional to make a real impact across Australia’s most diverse Cleaning & Maintenance company. Key Responsibilities Lead Proactive WHS Planning: Integrate safety into all stages of operational planning. Ensure thorough hazard identification, risk assessments and controls are in place before field work commences, embedding safe systems of work into everyday operations. Field Engagement & Support: Be a highly visible presence on‑site, conducting regular safety walks, site audits and spot checks. Coach and mentor supervisors and technicians during jobs to verify controls are effective, correct unsafe practices, and reinforce a positive safety culture in real time. Safety Documentation & Compliance: Oversee and approve all WHS documentation for jobs – including Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), toolbox talks, rescue plans and permits, confirming they are accurate, practical, and understood by the team. Verify all safety paperwork and equipment checks are completed correctly before work begins. Ensure compliance with relevant WHS legislation, standards and FAMASO policies at all sites. Training and Coaching: Lead pre‑start meetings and high‑risk work briefings, setting clear safety expectations. Deliver targeted WHS training and toolbox talks tailored to our field activities (rope access, working at heights, drone operation, etc.). Mentor staff at all levels to increase safety awareness, competency and ownership. Incident Management : Act as the primary escalation point for any WHS incidents or critical hazards. When incidents or near‑misses occur, take charge of incident response and lead thorough investigations (using ICAM or similar methods) to determine root causes. Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and communication during incidents, including with clients and regulators if required. Most importantly, implement effective corrective and preventative actions and use lessons learned to strengthen our preventative safety systems moving forward. Continuous Improvement: Track safety performance indicators (incidents, hazards, audit findings, training compliance) and identify trends or recurring issues. Proactively recommend and drive WHS improvement initiatives across the business – from refining procedures and introducing better controls, to leveraging digital tools for reporting – with a focus on preventing incidents before they happen. Promote an open, positive safety culture where field teams feel comfortable reporting hazards and suggesting improvements. About You – Skills & Experience WHS Expertise in the Field: 5+ years’ experience in Work Health & Safety roles within construction, industrial services, facilities management, or similarly high‑risk, field‑based environments. You have a deep working knowledge of WHS legislation and best practices on active job sites. Qualifications: Formal WHS/OHS qualifications (Certificate IV minimum, Diploma or higher preferred). Training in incident investigation techniques (e.g. ICAM) Also advantageous (IRATA, Working at Heights) Proactive Safety Leader: A track record of leading safety initiatives across multiple sites or a national operation. You take pride in preventing incidents through careful planning, training and engagement. Investigation & Compliance Skills: Demonstrated experience conducting site safety audits, developing and reviewing SWMS/risk assessments/rescue plans, and leading incident investigations to closure with effective corrective actions. You approach problems analytically and don’t just treat symptoms, you find and fix root causes. Influential Communicator : Excellent communication, coaching and people skills. Able to engage and influence technicians, supervisors, managers, clients and even regulators. You lead by example, remain calm under pressure, and can drive change through persuasion and expertise rather than authority alone. Driven and Organized : Highly organized and proactive in managing your responsibilities. Able to juggle urgent issues with long‑term projects, and willing to travel regularly nationwide to support various teams (frequent site visits are part of the role). A current driver’s licence and flexibility for weekly travel are required. What we Offer Opportunity to Make an Impact: This role lets you shape the safety culture of a growing national company and truly make a difference. Your leadership will directly result in safer outcomes for people working in some of the most challenging environments. Diverse, Exciting Work Environment : You will oversee safety across a wide range of specialist operations – no two days will be the same. From skyscraper rope access jobs to innovative drone cleaning projects, you’ll find the work dynamic, rewarding and impactful. Supportive, Safety‑First Culture: Join a company that values safety as a core principle. You’ll have full backing from senior management to implement improvements and drive a preventative approach to WHS. Professional Growth: As the key national WHS leader, you’ll collaborate with a broad network of professionals and clients, further developing your strategic, technical and leadership skills. Tools & Benefits: We provide the tools you need to succeed, including a company laptop, iPad, mobile phone, uniform and appropriate PPE for field work. Enjoy a competitive salary package (including superannuation) commensurate with your experience and the importance of this role. (Note: This position is offered as a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, with the possibility of extension or permanency subject to business needs.) FAMASO is a proudly Australian‑owned company that has built its reputation on quality, safety and innovation in facility services. If you are a passionate WHS professional who believes the best incident is the one that never happens, and you have the drive to lead by being present where the work is happening, we want to hear from you. Join us and help ensure that every day, every job, everyone goes home safe. #J-18808-Ljbffr