Director Health & Safety Operations and Assurance
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. So 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.
Our corporate team is a central hub for Thales Australia. It’s where our shared services – think finance, legal, HR, procurement – come together to make sure our teams across Australia have access to the business services they need. Cross-functional collaboration helps us build out Thales’ capabilities in a robust way – and helps us open up new career opportunities for employees all across the business.
Based in our Melbourne office at the World Trade Centre on Wurundjeri land, your role will focus on ensuring the effective implementation of WHS policies and strategies across Thales operations in Australia.
This includes driving improvements in health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with WHS regulations and Group Strategy, overseeing the Critical Risk Management framework and life-saving controls, managing HSE-MS content, and maintaining a strong Health & Safety Assurance framework.
Responsibilities:
Review and implement Health & Safety policies, systems, and reporting in line with Group HSE strategy
Define the structure, methods, and tools to achieve Health & Safety excellence in alignment with Group standards
Develop and implement a Health & Safety assurance framework that meets Group, risk, and legislative requirements
Ensure Thales HSE-MS meets regulatory, management system, and Group reporting standards
Embed Life Saving Controls into all Thales Australia operations
Support Health & Safety, including Product Safety, in bids, projects, products, and policies
Collaborate with project teams, customers, and regulators to address WHS risks and implement WHS strategy
Support the Environment and Sustainability Manager in integrating sustainability into the HSE framework
Manage WHS reporting obligations for Thales Group and Australia
Develop WHS competence and capability within key stakeholder groups
On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:
Extensive experience leading work, health, and safety in large, complex organisations, ideally within an industrial or manufacturing environment
Strong expertise in Health & Safety auditing and compliance, with in-depth knowledge of ISO 14001, 45001, and exposure to ISO 50001 management systems
Proven experience in implementing digital tools to drive excellence in Health & Safety performance
Advanced data analysis skills, with a track record of generating actionable reports and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
Skill in delivering organisational change facilitation and stakeholder management to achieve desired outcomes
Strong communication and collaboration abilities for effective cross-functional teamwork
Demonstrated leadership skills, effective interpersonal and verbal communication, and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
Relevant tertiary qualification in work health and safety, risk management, or related field
Ability to obtain Australian Defence Clearances
As part of our commitment, we offer:
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.
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.