Executive Level 1 - Manager, Work Health & Safety

The Museum has an exciting opportunity for a professional to join the agency as an Executive Level 1.

Role purpose

The Museum has an exciting opportunity for a professional to join the organisation in the role of WHS Manager. The incumbent of this position will lead a small team that provide leadership and advice to the Museum Council, Executive, employees and contractors on work health and safety compliance, rehabilitation, early intervention and work health and safety initiatives. The role also provides leadership of a diverse risk/hazard profile, including high risk work across a range of unusual settings.  

This is a great opportunity to join an innovative national cultural collecting institution where audiences are central to our work. 

As the WHS Manager, you will contribute to and assist in the execution of strategy, plans and initiatives for the Museum in areas of health, safety, early intervention, rehabilitation, and wellbeing.

You will support and assist business unit managers in operational health and safety requirements and the implementation of safe work practices. You will coach leaders and managers on best practice management of employee wellbeing and provide innovative intervention initiatives that ultimately prevent employees from being injured at work. You will do this through leading, coaching, guiding and mentoring staff in the identification of health and safety risks and issues and the development and implementation of creative, appropriate solutions. 

The role requires the incumbent to apply their understanding and experience with WHS, early intervention and rehabilitation to drive a unified, consistent and integrated approach to exhibition and process design and integrated safety practices. The incumbent will thrive on the opportunity to work in a diverse and dynamic environment that offers challenges and the ability to make a difference. 

The WHS Manager will work across a range of business activities involving staff, volunteers, contractors, and the public.  

Developing professional relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, the WHS Manager will oversee compliance with legislative requirements and manage the WHS safety management framework collaboratively with an eye to continuous improvement. 

Key accountabilities

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate significant experience in work health and safety, rehabilitation and early intervention and project management across a range of industries and/or environments. Ideally, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an ability to successfully influence, build and nurture stakeholder relationships and outcomes. 

A strong understanding of applicable APS employment parameters, WHS and compensation legislation, standards and Codes of Practice and capacity to undertake research are essential. Experience leading a project, a team player, who is adaptable and innovative will be highly regarded.   

You will stand out from others through your passion, interest and knowledge of developing efficient work practices that incorporate safety in the workplace and genuine desire to continually develop a positive safety culture.  The successful candidate must have initiative and be able to use sound judgement in decision making. 

Demonstrate a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety (WH&S) by actively supporting a positive safety culture, following the Museum’s WHS policies and procedures, and complying with reasonable instructions to ensure alignment with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. 

To apply

Applicants must include a 2-page pitch addressing their suitability for the role against the selection criteria. Applicants must also provide a resume and contact details for 2 referees.  

Visit http://www.nma.gov.au/about/employment and apply online.  

Applications close at 11.59pm Wednesday 28th January 2026

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. If you require, or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please contact the Contact Officer for this position.