Title:  Head of Health & Safety - New Zealand

The Opportunity

Veolia Australia & New Zealand is the only global company to provide a full range of environmental services in the fields of water, waste management and energy solutions. With the global expertise gained from serving the environment for more than 150 years, Veolia operates in more than 40 countries around the world, with well over a hundred sites and approximately 4000 employees in Australia & New Zealand. 

Veolia New Zealand is a leading provider of water, waste, and energy management solutions. Our activities include:  Water management: Operating and maintaining water and wastewater treatment plants, distribution networks, and providing innovative water solutions for municipalities and industries across New Zealand, and Environmental services: Offering comprehensive waste management and resource recovery solutions, including collection, treatment, and recycling of various waste streams.

In this nationally focussed role, you will report to the General Manager of Safety Health Quality and Training (SHQT) and provide health and safety leadership to your direct reports, operational leaders, and customers in the water sector across New Zealand. You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer of Veolia Water New Zealand and their management teams on SHQT related matters, align to the SHQT strategy, and promote safety excellence and performance through engagement, training, investigation, audit, and continuous improvement.

You will be an important member of Veolia's SHQT leadership team with peers supporting our waste and industrial services lines of business, plus Injury Prevention and Health and SHQT Strategy and Improvement.

What's on offer

• A hands-on stakeholder-facing role with national travel requirements across New Zealand
• Opportunity to influence safety outcomes in the water sector and work with a safety-focused executive to continue to be New Zealand's premier water services provider
• Real opportunity to make a difference in the safety culture within our organisation
• Based in Auckland with flexibility for remote work
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What you'll be responsible for

• Provide leadership and direction to ensure SHQT compliance and performance across Veolia Water New Zealand
• Implement and monitor SHQT systems, including field engagement, audits, inspections, and risk assessments
• Facilitate the maintenance of SHQT management plans, training programs, and safety procedures
• Facilitate incident investigations and emergency management training
• Lead our Always Safe Culture program within Veolia Water New Zealand
• Analyse and report on SHQT performance, identifying high-risk factors and improvement opportunities. 

What you'll need to be successful

• Operational experience in the water industry with a focus on high-risk activities such as confined spaces, working at height, and chemical handling is essential
• Knowledge of New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and related regulations with relevant qualifications
• Demonstrated experience implementing safety systems in a water utility environment
• Auditing qualification and experience
• Root cause analysis investigations (ICAM)
• Problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on customer service and teamwork
• Advanced communication skills (both written and verbal), and the ability to prepare reports and documentation efficiently
• Understanding of Māori culture and Treaty of Waitangi principles
• Manage and lead a small team focused on health, safety, and quality matters
• Strong attention to detail and a rigorous approach to health and safety matters
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation
• Experience in stakeholder management, both internal and external
• Proficiency in Google Suite applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) for reporting and analysis
• Ability to translate complex health and safety information into clear, actionable insights for various audiences
• Develop and implement national policies and procedures related to health and safety
• Ensure rigorous application of safety standards and maintain a strong focus on critical matters
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports on health and safety performance using Google Suite tools
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders through effective communication

A Veolia Career

• Strong focus on career development and training.
• Global career opportunities with a Global company.
• Generous employee share plan (discounted shares, share matching). 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) through Assure which covers mental health, nutrition, financial, legal, coaching and career transition support.

In this role you'll not only have the opportunity to build your career, but contribute to the success of the Veolia NZ business and sustainable 3 Waters solutions for New Zealand.

Our environmental solutions help customers preserve and renew our natural resources, creating a better future for our planet. When you join Veolia, you become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to achieving extraordinary results. 
You will have the opportunity to work alongside talented and intelligent professionals who are constantly pushing boundaries and accomplishing incredible feats.
At Veolia we value diversity, equality and inclusion, we are committed to providing working environments where everyone is included and treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from Maori and Pasifika, Veterans, people with Disability, mature age and early careers, members of the LGBTI+ community, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

If you have the experience and are looking for a fulfilling career with a global organisation, then apply today!

THIS STEP IS IMPORTANT
To apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.