National Safety Manager

The Safe Step is partnering with a large, complex organisation seeking an accomplished HSE leader to uplift capability across the business unit, and lead & develop your national safety team.


Purpose of the Role

To lead and execute the safety strategy across a large and diverse footprint, while elevating safety leadership capability, coaching business leaders (particularly at the state level), and managing key operational safety deliverables. This role is both strategic and hands-on, with significant focus on relationship building and behavioural safety performance.


Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Build and lead a large team including state safety managers and business partners.
• Capability Uplift: Coach and influence leaders across business units, with a focus on maturity and positive safety behaviours.
• Strategy Execution: Translate safety strategy into action.
• Incident Response: Lead and oversee incident management and ensure continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Influence senior leaders and drive alignment with safety goals.
• Cultural: Navigate ambiguity, uplift maturity across the business unit, and simplify processes for better outcomes.
• Visibility: Be present on-site, with approximately monthly travel including to New Zealand and Australian states.

• Strong background in safety leadership roles within complex, fast-paced environments, preferably from the Supply Chain, Retail, or FMCG sectors.
• Proven track record of building high-performing teams.
• Experience influencing executive and operational leaders.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• History of working across businesses with varying levels of safety maturity.

• Personable and relationship oriented.
• Strategically agile, but pragmatic in execution.
• Able to operate in ambiguity and adjust approach for diverse stakeholders.
• Resilient, influential, firm, and diplomatic.
• Can challenge the status quo constructively.