Head of HSE

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence. Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day, we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible. From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust. Step into a role that elevates your influence, deepens your purpose, and strengthens Australia’s sovereign capability.

Based in our Melbourne World Trade Centre office on Wurundjeri land, this national leadership role will shape and elevate HSE performance across our Land domain – comprising Explosive Ordinance Services (EOS), Protected Vehicles (PRV) and Integrated Weapons Systems (IWS). The LAND business is one of Thales Australia’s most dynamic and complex domains. It includes next generation protected vehicles, soldier systems, advanced digital battlespace technologies and large-scale manufacturing and sustainment operations across multiple sites. You will lead with influence at the highest levels, partnering with executives, engaging regulators, and driving a high-performance safety culture across our industrial manufacturing sites, and Major Hazard Facilities, in highly regulated and high-risk operational environments.

Responsibilities

Set the strategic direction for HSE across multiple sites, and portfolios nationally

Lead and mentor high-performing and geographically dispersed HSE teams

Advise senior leaders on hazard identification, risk management, emergency planning, compliance and assurance

Ensure alignment with MHF, WHS, Dangerous Goods and Environmental legislation

Engage proactively with regulators and external stakeholders

Lead major incident investigations and drive sustainable corrective actions

Strengthen audit, assurance and compliance frameworks

Ensure Safety Case submissions and licensing obligations are met

Champion physical and psychological safety across the organisation

Embed sustainability and emissions reduction initiatives

Build leadership capability and accountability in HSE

Qualifications & Requirements

Proven senior HSE leadership experience in Major Hazard Facilities or high-risk industries (oil & gas, manufacturing, industrial)

Track record in leading HSE teams to deliver sustainable improvements in performance

Proven success leading cultural transformation across multi-site operations

Executive-level stakeholder engagement experience

Deep experience in safety management systems and major accident hazard risk management

Investigation and audit leadership capability (ICAM Lead Investigator / Lead Auditor highly regarded)

Experience with ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 systems

Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making

Tertiary qualifications in HSE, Engineering, Science or related discipline essential

Postgraduate qualifications and professional certifications highly regarded

Benefits

Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

Recognised leader in reservist employee support

Veterans Leave

Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

Modernised Paid Parental Leave

Novated Lease options

Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

Personal & professional training development opportunities

Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

And much more!

Good to Know Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and, role-dependent, medical checks.

A NV1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role.

The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.

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