Health, Safety and Environment Director

Company description

This role supports the delivery of the Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Project, a significant infrastructure programme being delivered by the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium, comprising Webuild Leighs Joint Venture and key project partners.

The project involves the renewal and expansion of critical correctional infrastructure, supporting the long-term needs of New Zealand's justice system through the delivery of modern, high-quality facilities and associated infrastructure.

Delivered within a complex and highly collaborative environment, the project brings together leading construction, engineering and operational specialists to achieve shared outcomes across safety, quality, programme performance and stakeholder expectations. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to infrastructure that will provide lasting community value while working alongside experienced professionals from across the consortium.

Job description

About the Opportunity

Joining the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium provides the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the successful delivery of the Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Project.

You will be part of an integrated team working within a structured and professional project environment that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. The project offers exposure to large-scale infrastructure delivery, multidisciplinary teams, and industry-leading systems and processes, creating excellent opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

About the Role

Based in Templeton, Christchurch, and reporting to the Project Director, the Health & Safety Director will lead all aspects of health, safety and wellbeing across this major infrastructure project.

This is a critical leadership appointment requiring a proven construction safety executive with experience delivering major projects. We are seeking someone who understands the complexity, scale, governance and stakeholder management requirements associated with tier one construction environments, major infrastructure programmes, or similarly large and complex projects.

You will provide strategic leadership to the project safety function, driving a culture where safety is embedded into planning, decision-making and delivery. Working closely with project leadership, construction teams, subcontractors, consortium partners and client representatives, you will ensure the highest standards of safety performance are achieved throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of the project's Health & Safety strategy.

Provide visible leadership and direction to project teams, fostering a proactive and high-performing safety culture.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety performance and workforce wellbeing.

Ensure compliance with all relevant New Zealand legislation, contractual requirements and organisational standards.

Lead safety governance, reporting and assurance activities across the project.

Monitor project safety performance, identifying risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Oversee incident management processes, investigations and implementation of corrective actions.

Partner with construction delivery teams to ensure safety is integrated into project planning and execution.

Build strong relationships with consortium partners, subcontractors, regulatory bodies and client stakeholders.

Lead, mentor and develop the project's Health & Safety team.

Provide expert advice to the Project Director and Leadership Team on emerging risks and strategic safety matters.

Champion workforce wellbeing initiatives that support a healthy, engaged and productive workforce.

About You To succeed in this role, you will bring:

Extensive Health & Safety leadership experience within major construction or infrastructure projects.

Demonstrated experience leading safety functions on major projects.

A strong understanding of the challenges associated with large-scale construction delivery environments.

Proven ability to influence senior leaders, project teams and external stakeholders.

Exceptional communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.

Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery requirements.

A practical, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance risk management and operational performance.

Experience managing and developing high-performing Health & Safety teams.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Relevant tertiary qualification in Health & Safety, Occupational Health, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

Chartered, Certified, or equivalent professional Health & Safety accreditation highly regarded.

Significant experience in a senior Health & Safety leadership role within tier one construction, major infrastructure, transport, energy, resources, or similarly complex project environments.

Demonstrated experience operating within structured governance frameworks and contractor management environments.

Strong understanding of New Zealand Health & Safety legislation and industry best practice.

Proven ability to lead safety outcomes across large, multidisciplinary workforces.

What We Offer

This role offers a unique opportunity to work within the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium, combining the expertise and capability of leading national and international organisations committed to delivering successful project outcomes.

We offer

• The opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Project.
• Exposure to industry-leading systems, processes and best practice.
• A collaborative and inclusive team environment that values partnership, expertise and shared success.
• Professional development opportunities across a diverse consortium structure.
• Strong leadership, support and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
• Competitive remuneration aligned to skills and experience.

We offer

Diversity & Inclusion

The Southern Renewal Partners Consortium is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. Guided by our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we are focused on creating meaningful employment and development opportunities that deliver positive outcomes for Māori and wider communities. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including women, veterans, Māori, Pasifika peoples and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Apply Now

Apply now to join the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium and contribute to the successful delivery of one of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure projects. Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed for shortlisting. Should your application be shortlisted, we will contact you. Please note: We reserve the right to commence shortlisting immediately and may remove the advertisement prior to the closing date.

Agency submissions will not be considered for this position.

The employment relationship will be governed by New Zealand Employment Law