(Flexible Term of up to 24 months, with the opportunity for conversion to permanent employment available under the Enterprise Agreement)
- Do you want to play a key role in shaping a proactive safety and risk culture within a local government environment?
- Looking for a fresh challenge or a career change that lets you make a real impact?
- Be part of a positive workplace culture, helping to ensure safe environments for staff and the community.
- Play a key role in mentoring and developing the WHS team, while partnering with Council to strengthen capability, deepen understanding, and enhance maturity in WHS and Risk practices.
About the role:
Working in a dynamic and evolving environment, the Work Health Safety and Risk Business Partner is responsible for leading and strategically managing Council’s WHS and Risk systems.
Reporting to the Manager People and Culture, this role partners closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Managers and Coordinators to embed strong safety, injury management and risk practices across the organisation.
You will provide high-level advice, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and lead the development and implementation of strategies, systems and frameworks that support compliance and organisational maturity, while supporting the People and Culture team.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence culture, build capability, and deliver impactful safety and risk outcomes across a diverse operational environment.
You will be responsible for a broad range of duties, including:
- Leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Work Health Safety and Risk systems and framework.
- Providing strategic advice, coaching and support to leaders across Council.
- Driving a proactive safety culture through initiatives, programs and organisational engagement.
- Overseeing WHS compliance, audits, investigations and reporting.
- Leading risk management practices, including maintaining the Strategic Risk Framework and Operational risk registers.
- Managing and analysing WHS data, trends and performance to inform decision-making and improvements.
- Facilitating Plans and Programs Review and WHS Rebate Plan in partnership with Local Government Risk Services.
- Leading emergency management planning and contributing to business continuity processes.
- Preparing high-quality reports and presenting to Committees, including Audit and Risk and WHS Committee.
- Providing leadership, mentoring and support to the WHS and Risk Advisor and broader People and Culture team.
About you:
You are a passionate WHS and Risk professional who has the desire to learn, takes initiative, demonstrates a high level of accuracy and communicates effectively across all levels of the organisation.
We are seeking someone who has:
- Demonstrated experience in Work Health Safety and Risk.
- A strong commitment and passion for Work Health Safety and Risk.
- Sound knowledge of Work Health and Safety legislation, Australian Standards and Codes of Practice.
- Proven ability to lead programs, influence leaders and drive cultural change.
- Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage, educate and influence stakeholders.
- Experience in audits, investigations, and compliance monitoring.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.
- Passionate in supporting and developing the broader WHS team for success.
- A current non-prohibited South Australian Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain prior to commencement).
- A current Drivers Licence.
About the Whyalla City Council:
As a multifunctional regional Council we manage an Early Learning Centre, Library, Airport, Cemetery, Crematorium, Infrastructure and recreational facilities including a Visitor Information Centre.
We are a progressive Council, committed to the pursuit of excellence and are always looking for opportunities to improve the quality of life for our community, now and into the future.
We stand by and embrace our core values in delivering each and every one of our services: We Belong, We Collaborate, We Deliver, We Serve.
About the benefits:
- Competitive salary + 12% Superannuation with the ability to salary sacrifice
- Commuter use of vehicle
- Excellent Enterprise Agreement benefits with above award rates
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development
- Provision for of corporate uniform allowance and provision of Personal Protective Equipment as required
- Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support
- Special Pandemic Leave, and Family and Domestic Violence support
- Commuting to work when living in Whyalla is no more than 15 minutes
- A rostered day off each month
About Whyalla, South Australia:
The City of Whyalla is one of the largest regional cities in South Australia – it’s a culturally diverse community, home to just over 21,000 people. Whyalla offers first-class facilities with a relaxed lifestyle, all set amongst gorgeous natural scenery – an ideal blend between the outback and the sea. Whyalla is a welcoming community with a well-established industry and retail base. Its residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with plenty of amenities, events and activities – everything is less than 10 minutes away. It also features the new state-of-the-art Whyalla Secondary College and the University of South Australia and TAFE campuses offering tertiary progression.
So be sure to Unearth Your Next Step right here in Whyalla – we’re waiting for you!
Further Information:
For more information in relation to position responsibilities, refer to the following:
Enquiries can be directed to Mrs Ellisha Papoulis, Manager People and Culture on 08 8640 3444.
The salary applicable for this role is in accordance with the South Australian Municipal Salaried Officers' Award and Council’s current Enterprise Agreement, paid at Level 6 commencing at $111,567 per annum.
Apply:
- Applications must include your current resume and cover letter and must be submitted via Council’s recruitment portal. Applications submitted in any other platform will not be accepted. Scroll down (past the image below) to commence the application process. Please note, the application process will need to be completed in one session.
- Applications close 9:00am, Monday 13 April 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
