Wellbeing and Safety Lead - Otago

Fulltime, Permanent

Ko wai mātou| About us as an organisation

At Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.

We are guided by our values, and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.

Mō te tūraka mahi | About the role

As our Wellbeing and Safety Lead, you’ll be a trusted advisor and technical expert, working closely with leaders across the organisation to embed best practice and operational excellence in health, safety and wellbeing.

You will:

• Provide expert guidance to leaders and teams on health, safety and wellbeing practices
• Lead and support the implementation of strategic initiatives and continuous improvement activities
• Coach and mentor practitioners and leaders as you contribute to building our health, safety and wellness capabilities
• Drive risk management, compliance, and performance monitoring aligned with legislation and industry standards
• Lead complex incident investigations and contribute to organisational learning
• Build strong internal and external partnerships to promote a proactive, partnering approach to wellbeing and safety
• Fulfill the responsibilities as a delegated Laboratory Manager ensuring compliance with regulations

Reporting to the Director: Wellbeing and Safety, this is a new role which will play a key part in shaping a safe, supportive environment for our kaimahi and ākonga, while strengthening organisational capability and culture. You will genuinely influence how people work, feel and stay safe.

Ko wai koe| About you

You bring strong experience in health, safety and wellbeing leadership and a passion for creating meaningful change in complex environments.

You will have:

• a relevant graduate and postgraduate qualification in Health and Safety Management
• in-depth knowledge of New Zealand health and safety legislation and compliance frameworks
• proven experience working with and advising senior leaders
• strength in risk management, incident investigation, and continuous improvement
• experience coaching and mentoring others to build capability
• a collaborative, influencing style with excellent communication skills
• experience in giving effect to regulations related to the management of Laboratory’s in the tertiary sector environment

Key to your success in this role will be your:

• commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting equitable outcomes
• strong relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups
• sound judgement, resilience, and a solutions-focused mindset

Through recognition, empowerment and inclusion, you will give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

For specific information contact Ieremia Lemuelu 021 735 606 or Ieremia.Lemuelu@op.ac.nz

For a position description or to apply please click on the link.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 20 July 2026.