Manager, Health, Safety & Wellbeing - New Zealand Red Cross

• Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
• National location option – preference Wellington based

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on HSW at a national level? Do you have experience with or interested in, gaining experience with a large volunteering organisation? Are you interested to champion good practice and lead innovative solutions?

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced HWS Manager to provide strategic guidance, drive continuous improvement and take a positive outcome orientated focus to our HSW management system. This crucial role involves working across the whole organisation from the front line, sharing, and learning practice with other similar organisations and leading the development of key HSW documents and communications.

As the Manager of our HSW function, you will lead the HSW team, manage daily operations and oversee the implementation of our comprehensive HSW work plan. Your leadership will be essential in fostering an inclusive and positive HSW culture throughout the entire organisation. Join us and be a catalyst for change in creating a safer and healthier workplace for everyone!

Although Wellington is our preferred location for this role, we welcome applications from candidates from other regions.

Remuneration for this role reflects relevant skills and experience and is positioned between early $130k – early $140k. NZRC remunerates on a total remuneration approach encompassing base salary and employer contribution to KiwiSaver. In addition, we offer a 37.5 hour week, 5 weeks annual leave and 12 days wellbeing (sick) leave.

What you bring - Nōu te rourou

To be considered for this role you will be a highly credible HWS practitioner currently working at either Manager or Senior Advisor level.

To be successful in this role you will:

• have significant experience leading HWS functions within a medium sized organisation
• demonstrate success leading HWS programmes, reporting and risk management
• have excellent understanding of HWS legislation to lead the provision of expert and strategic HSW advice
• demonstratesound relationship building skills and the ability to partner with internal and external stakeholders
• have the ability to set clear direction, support and mentoring to HWS team members
• bring a record of leading and developing HWS initiatives that deliver trusted advice and solutions within complex environments.

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

To be successful you will have:

• At least 6 years' experience in a Senior Advisor or Health and Safety Manager role.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and managing a HSW work programme.
• Experience in providing HSW advice to those at executive level.
• Ability to build strong working relationships.
• Highly effective communication skills, both oral and written, at all levels to successfully achieve results, including presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work in a complex working environment, deal with ambiguity and acrossdepartmental functions.
• Attention to detail and HSW reporting experience.
• Working knowledge of the HSWA 2015, relevant ISO Standards and experience in dealing with WorkSafe NZ.
• Empathy with humanitarian causes.

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 10,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.

Why work with us?

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.

Our benefits include:

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance.

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Applying for this role

Read the full job description.

To apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. 

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume
• Cover Letter
• Passport
• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 5pm on 20/04/2026.

We will be screening applications as we receive them to move quickly to interview. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process. Further information on this opportunity is available by Bernadine Lynch, Director People and Capability on bernadine.lynch@redcross.org.nz

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early.

Recruitment for this role will be managed directly, therefore NZRC is not accepting unsolicited approaches from recruitment agencies for this role.