Work Health & Safety Manager

Permanent, full-time

Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW

Reports To: Director, People, Culture & Operations

Direct reports: WHS Advisor

You are an accomplished WHS Manager with experience gained from a role within a medical research environment. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to drive the WHS strategy and provide support and guidance, allowing both scientists and operational staff to efficiently deliver critical work in finding cures for cardiovascular disease.

As the Work Health & Safety (WHS) Manager, you will be instrumental in developing and administering the WHS Management System, and the development of the WHS Strategic Plan. Reporting to the Director, People, Culture & Operations, you will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance, safety, and a culture of continuous improvement.

The position will also work closely with the Scientific Services Manager, Facilities Engineering Manager, WHS Committee and all research and operational staff. The role will also interact with a range of external stakeholders including WHS contacts within our precinct (i.e. Garvan Institute and St Vincent's hospital), UNSW WHS staff, other MRI WHS staff, SafeWork NSW, training providers, consultants and legal advisors.​

• Ensure laboratories and core research facilities and services are maintained and provide strategic advice for the maintenance and improvement of the WHS Management System.
• Ensure compliance with WHS legislation and standards, achieving health and safety objectives.
• Develop reports on workplace health, safety, and quality performance.
• Lead, coordinate, and participate in internal WHS audits and inspections.
• Working with the WHS Advisor and other key stakeholders, continue to drive positive WHS cultural change across all levels of the Institute.

Compliance oversight

• Manage first aid, incident, and hazard reporting systems.
• Act as backup to the Return-to-Work Coordinator.
• Collaborate on operational matters with key stakeholders.
• Contribute to emergency management and coordination of the Emergency Management Team.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe and secure environment for staff and visitors.

• Relevant qualifications in WHS (diploma or degree) and Return to Work Coordinator certification.
• Extensive experience in Work Health and Safety Management within a complex organisational structure.
• Extensive knowledge of WHS legislation, regulations, standards, and codes of practice.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring a WHS Management System.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Experience in audits to either ISO AS/NZS 45001 or AS/NZS 4801
• Strong stakeholder management and change management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience within a laboratory, science or research organisation is highly desirable.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (the Institute) is dedicated to finding cures for cardiovascular disease and is one of the most respected heart research facilities in the world. Renowned for the quality of its breakthroughs, the Institute was established in 1994 and has grown to a team of more than 200 researchers from around the globe, working across five divisions.

A global centre-of-excellence, it integrates Cardiac Physiology and Transplantation, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics, Structural and Computational Biology, as well as Vascular Biology. At the Institute, we translate our discoveries into new diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease - reducing the incidence, severity, and impact of heart disease. 

Being part of an Institute that is not only dedicated to finding cures for cardiovascular disease, but one that also strives to ensure our employees and students enjoy a great working environment. We value and are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces diversity, gender equity and promote flexible working arrangements for all employees.

We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We also welcome applicants with diverse educational backgrounds, professional knowledge, personality types, thinking styles and life experiences. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

• Salary packaging/sacrificing (up to $15,900 per annum plus $2,650 for meals and entertainment)
• State of the art facilities
• Stimulating work setting focused on cutting edge medical research
• Collaborative team environment
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

If you are a dedicated WHS professional passionate about fostering a culture of safety and compliance within a cutting-edge research environment, we invite you to apply. Join us in making a significant impact on cardiovascular health.​

Come and work with us & help make a difference.