Overview
We are seeking a senior General Manager, Safety to lead safety-in-design and Work Health and Safety (WHS) across a major national rail program. This is a 2-year, 3 days/week contract role, responsible for embedding safety across all phases of infrastructure development, governance, and delivery. The role operates at an executive level, providing strategic leadership, assurance, and reporting to the Board, Executive, and regulators within a complex, multi-party environment. It can be based in various locations, with flexibility depending on program requirements, and will require a security clearance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the safety strategy, WHS management system, and safety-in-design framework across all project phases
- Oversee WHS compliance, safety assurance, audits, inspections, incident investigations, and regulatory reporting
- Identify and mitigate design and operational safety risks, ensuring safety is embedded from concept through delivery
- Integrate safety into strategic planning, investment decisions, and delivery models across programs and partners
- Drive a zero-harm safety culture, including leadership accountability, workforce engagement, and capability development
- Manage system safety interfaces across contractors, technical advisors, and delivery partners to ensure alignment and risk control
- Provide executive and Board-level reporting, advice, and governance updates on safety performance and compliance
- Translate safety strategy into clear operational actions and cross-team delivery alignment
Essential Requirements
- Extensive senior leadership experience in WHS, system safety, or safety-in-design within major infrastructure, transport, or high-risk environments
- Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation, safety systems, and infrastructure safety standards
- Proven ability to lead safety strategy, governance, assurance, and compliance reporting at executive/board level
- Experience embedding safety frameworks across multi-party delivery environments and complex infrastructure programs
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with ability to work with government, regulators, technical advisors, and contractors
- Demonstrated capability in risk management, incident investigation, and safety system development
Desirable
- Experience in large-scale transport or national infrastructure programs
- Background in engineering safety, safety-in-design, or systems safety leadership
- Experience working directly with Boards, regulators, or Commonwealth agencies
