Team Leader Health and Safety

Permanent, Fulltime

We are seeking a capable individual with the relevant skills and experience to lead our health and safety team. You will be prepared to work in Petone, Porirua and Wellington.  The purpose of this position is to be responsible for the management and development of health and safety service along with managing the health and safety team. This role is part of the leadership team providing good governance and direction on health and safety matters.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop a high-performing team who build strong partnerships and provide high-quality, reliable advice to leaders and managers in the business division
• Provide advice and guidance to a wider range of stakeholders, including leaders, managers, and kaimahi on health and safety matters, including guidance on policy and procedure requirements.
• Oversee the design, development and delivery of our health and safety strategy.
• Provide timely monthly reports to Joint Leadership Team (JLT), highlighting any risk/issues that need further discussion/input or approvals.
• Manage the team portfolio to ensure equitable workloads for health and safety advisors across WelTec and Whitireia in all Wellington locations.
• Engage in building proactive external relationships like WorkSafe NZ and other Polytechnics.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with ākonga support, People & Culture, Properties and Facilities management, and other functions through open communication, sensitivity, honesty and collaboration.
• Ensure activities and initiative are communicated effectively within own team and across the wider WelTec/Whitireia teams.
• Comply with health and safety procedures as outlined in Taikura, reporting all incidents and proactively identify hazards and support their management.
• Maintin knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, Acts and Regulations and actively support safe work practices in your work area.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

You will have a minimum tertiary level qualification in health and safety (Degree or Master level Qualification or related field) or equivalent, ideally in a tertiary education environment. or demonstrable knowledge of health and safety gained through experience or minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role.

You will need:

 Management or team leader experience in a large complex organisation

• Excellent skill set in Microsoft Office, and in the use of databases, ideally in the tertiary environment (we use Artena), and workflow management experience
• Relationship and stakeholder management experience, including proven negotiation skills
• Experience in supporting and/or leading the inclusion and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi practices in workplace settings.

• Be an experienced leader, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• A team player, but able to work alone if required.
• High standards of confidentiality and personal integrity.
• Comprehensive knowledge of NZ health and safety legislation and compliance frameworks.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the vocational education sector and recent reforms.
• Change management experience, with an understanding of how to apply people practice across the organisation.
• Sound analytical, report writing and project management skills with a focus on continual improvement

What we can offer you

We know it’s important to maintain a healthy work/life balance.  We offer a number of services and benefits to support our staff.  When you work with us, we can offer you some of the following benefits:

• Free car parking
• Onsite Café at Whitireia and WelTec campuses
• Rewards and Recognitions programme
• Flexible working arrangements
• A range of wellness initiatives
• Professional Development opportunities
• Staff discounts via our app at selected retailers
• Free staff Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services

Whitireia and WelTec, deliver a range of career training choices and vast opportunities for schools, staff and students.

We are known for our distinctiveness (Ahureitanga) and we have special relationships with mana whenua WelTec with Te Ātiawa and Whitireia with Ngāti Toa. Together, we are more than the sum of our parts.

Mā tātou, mō tātou Ko WelTec ki Te Ātiawa, ko Whitireia ki Ngāti Toa. E haere kōtui nei me kura-takahi-puni tātou.

Whitireia & WelTec’s vision (Whakakitenga) is:

Learning together. Transforming lives. Te ako ngātahi. Te whakaahua kētanga o te tangata

 How To Apply

Click on Apply Now and complete the on-line application form. Please note it is important that you complete all sections of the on-line application. For other information please email recruitment@wandw.ac.nz 

Applications will be considered during the advertising period. 

Applications close: 23 November 2025