Meet Austin Wharfe: Leading Contract & Interim HSE Recruitment in NSW & QLD

From building trusted client relationships to matching elite talent with leading employers, Austin Wharfe has a wealth of insights to share. We sat down to hear his story.

Austin, what sector do you lead at Zenergy?

My area of expertise and background is in contract and interim recruitment. I worked in this space in a large global recruitment business in the UK and in Australia prior to joining Zenergy, and since joining Zenergy in 2024 it has been very exciting to continue this here. I predominantly work with the HSE, HR and Talent functions in organisations to assist with recruiting HSE talent on a short-term or contract basis in all industries across NSW & QLD.

Positions:

• Interim Director of Health & Safety
• Site WHS Officer
• WHS Managers
• Environment Consultants

Duration
Some assignments are short-term, for example 12 weeks, and others cover parental leave and critical business projects for 3–9 months. One of my consultants is seconded for 12 months on a safety management system refresh project with a large household-name employer. She feels part of the team, working 4 days per week and loving it, so it is quite a variety which I really enjoy.

What attracted you to join Zenergy?

I was actually recruited by a headhunter to join Zenergy. The headhunter had worked in the HSE space previously and talked about Zenergy’s longevity and reputation in the market, and I wanted to work somewhere that not only delivers recruitment services but also understands the broader importance of health, safety, and wellbeing in organisations. The focus on quality over quantity really resonated with me and I haven’t looked back since!

The directors are very well-networked and supportive, as is the team and structure. As I came from a large global recruiting business, it has been great to work in a boutique environment where, although it sounds a bit cliché, I feel like I am really making a difference.

How do you ensure quality control and high service standards?

Building strong relationships with clients and candidates is my top priority. My vision is to work with elite candidates and consultants and match them with the best employers. Zenergy is a preferred supplier to most large organisations and it’s important I have the best talent for these companies.

I do my best to:

• Get to know my clients and spend time understanding a client’s culture and technical needs
• Match the best candidates to ensure the process runs smoothly from first conversation to placement



It’s this attention to detail that ensures lasting, successful hires.

I speak to all of my consultants each fortnight and I also do a customer care check-in with my clients and a formal review to make sure the assignment is on track and that they are happy with the consultant and output. I help with managing leave, expenses, and do everything I can to ensure a seamless process for my clients.

What excites or drives you?

Professionally, I am in a really good place and enjoying my role, and as my network grows it is getting easier and more exciting. I’m also looking forward to getting involved in some of the industry events Zenergy participates in, and deepening my understanding of the latest safety trends and innovations.

I enjoy the opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures. I work hard to create more opportunities to discover new destinations and immerse myself in what makes each place unique. I recently spent a few weeks enjoying the European summer with my family, who have a property in Turkey.

Another key driver for me is the journey I’ve started by moving to Australia. Building a life here, making it a permanent home, and creating new opportunities for myself in both my personal and professional life is something I’m deeply committed to. That goal inspires me to stay focused, push myself, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

What’s something you’re looking forward to in the next few months?

Building strong relationships with clients and candidates is my top priority. I’m also looking forward to getting involved in some of the industry events Zenergy participates in, and deepening my understanding of the latest safety trends and innovations.

Any advice for safety professionals looking to try contract or consulting assignments?

Sometimes the perfect assignment is in an industry you hadn’t considered yet. The core technical skills are mainly transferable, and it comes down to remaining flexible, possessing the skills and ability to operate in ambiguous environments, and having the EQ to fit into an already moving business with a view to assisting with solving the problem that you were brought in to solve.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

Outside of work, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether hiking or camping in Sydney’s surrounding National Parks, or relaxing and snorkelling at the beach, I’m always exploring the world around me and embracing the great outdoors.

Want to learn more? View Austin’s Zenergy profile and his current available jobs here.