Executive General Manager – Safety

About the Role

The Executive General Manager – Safety is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and integrating health and safety across an organisation’s operations. This position ensures safety strategy aligns with business objectives while embedding strong governance, risk management, and accountability at executive level. The role plays a critical part in shaping organisational culture and improving long-term safety performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute organisation-wide safety strategy
  • Embed safety governance and accountability across executive and operational teams
  • Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and regulatory obligations
  • Provide strategic advice to the CEO, executive leadership team, and board
  • Oversee safety performance, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Lead senior safety and risk teams across multiple sites
  • Manage organisational risk related to health, safety, and operational exposure

Key Requirements

  • Senior executive experience in health and safety leadership roles
  • Strong understanding of Australian WHS legislation and governance frameworks
  • Formal qualifications such as Cert IV WHS, Diploma or Graduate Diploma in WHS, NEBOSH, or equivalent
  • Proven experience influencing executive and board-level stakeholders
  • Demonstrated success in driving cultural and organisational change
  • Experience in complex or high-risk operational environments

Why This Role Matters

This role ensures safety is not treated as a compliance function, but as a strategic enabler of performance, reputation, and workforce sustainability. The right executive can significantly reduce risk while supporting growth and operational resilience.

Sectors That Typically Require This Role

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

Infrastructure and Construction

Manufacturing and Industrial

Transport and Logistics

Utilities and Government

Corporate and Multi-site Operations

Partner with Zenergy to Appoint

Your Group Head of Health and Safety

Secure top-tier, experienced safety leaders who can strengthen workplace safety, drive compliance, and deliver measurable impact.

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