Head of Health Safety

The Sovereign Hill Museums Association is a not‑for‑profit community‑based organisation that includes the Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum, the Sovereign Hill Hotel, AURA and Narmbool, the Australian Centre for Rare Trades and Arts, and the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections. It cares for a nationally and internationally significant collection of over 150,000 objects and protects the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Victorian gold rush. The Outdoor Museum is internationally renowned as a living museum featuring rare trades, and programmes and experiences that interpret a pivotal point in Australia’s history. In all, some 350 staff work to bring our gold‑rush story to life. They are supported by over 250 volunteers. The museum attracts about 500,000 visitors annually. About the Role Reporting to the Chief People Officer and managing our WHS Coordinator, this role provides operational leadership and drives our safety culture within diverse and unique risk profiles. You will support team members working with animals, from heights or confined spaces, our tourist mine or manufacturing team, risk assessments for special events such as Winter Wonder Lights, and performers activating our open‑air museum. No two days will be the same. Duties & Responsibilities Work closely with the Executive team and operational leaders to develop and lead the implementation of robust and fit‑for‑purpose Health Safety & Wellbeing work programmes. Ensure compliance with OHS legislation by proactively leading Health Safety & Wellbeing and risk‑management initiatives and strategies across the organisation. Provide coaching, training, mentoring, and specialist advice and policy guidance to management, leaders and team members on all facets of Health Safety & Wellbeing. Support team members with return‑to‑work plans, WorkCover claims, hazard/incident/near‑miss management, risk assessments and lead our Child Safe Standards and Emergency Management programme, ensuring preparedness in emergencies and critical incidents. Desired Qualifications Previous experience leading a health safety and wellbeing function, ideally within a high‑risk and/or complex work environment. You are a progressive safety leader, with a high degree of technical expertise, curious by nature and passionate about partnering with people to drive change and great safety outcomes. You’re known for your excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) and can quickly initiate, build and maintain strong and effective partnerships across all organisational levels. You will ideally have expertise in ICAM incident investigation methodology. The role is based in Ballarat, with a minimum of three to four days onsite each week. Child Safety and Criminal History Checks Sovereign Hill is committed to child safety. We support and respect all children, staff and volunteers. Our recruitment and selection processes ensure certain pre‑employment screening and compliance clearances are undertaken before employment is offered. If you apply for a role with Sovereign Hill you will be asked to make declarations regarding OHS, Child Safety and you will also be required to complete a National Police Check and attain a valid Working with Children’s Check. Application Questions Do you have experience leading a health & safety function within high‑risk work environments such as mining, construction or manufacturing? Are you certified to conduct ICAM Incident Investigations (or a similar methodology)? Flexible and hybrid work arrangements are supported at SHMA. Due to the nature of the role, there may be a requirement to attend on‑site five days per week. Are you able to commit to five days working on‑site in Ballarat? What are your salary package expectations for the role? (Feel free to indicate a range, including superannuation.) Please indicate your notice period. If you were to be successful, how soon could you get started with us? (e.g., days or weeks notice.) Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident with the right to live and work permanently in Australia? All applicants for roles based within Australia will be required to consent to a background check. Please confirm your consent to completing a background check, including a valid Working with Children’s Check and a National Police Check as part of the hiring process. Do you suffer or have you suffered a pre‑existing injury, illness or disease that could be affected by the nature of the duties? If yes, please provide details. (Note: failure to disclose may affect Workers’ Compensation.) Equal Opportunity Sovereign Hill welcomes and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and provides equal opportunities to all who wish to apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please don't delay. If you are excited about the role and want to be a part of connecting people through history to adapt for a better future – then please apply to join our team today #J-18808-Ljbffr