Chief Safety Officer

About the Role

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) is an executive-level role responsible for integrating safety into corporate strategy, governance, and leadership decision-making. Reporting directly to the CEO or board, the CSO ensures workplace health and safety is treated as a critical business priority.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and lead organisational safety strategy
  • Provide board-level advice on safety risks and governance
  • Ensure compliance with WHS legislation and executive due diligence obligations
  • Lead enterprise-wide safety culture initiatives
  • Oversee safety performance, reporting, and assurance frameworks
  • Partner with executives to embed safety into strategic planning

Key Requirements

  • Extensive executive experience in safety or HSE leadership
  • Demonstrated board and executive engagement capability
  • Advanced WHS qualifications or equivalent professional certifications
  • Strong governance, risk, and assurance experience
  • Proven ability to lead large-scale cultural change

Why This Role Matters

The CSO protects organisational reputation, ensures leadership accountability, and strengthens governance. This role is critical in industries where safety failures carry significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

Sectors That Typically Require This Role

Resources and Energy (Mining, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy)

Infrastructure and Major Projects

Manufacturing and Industrial

Transport and Logistics

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Your Group Head of Health and Safety

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