HSE Executive Manager - Research Programs

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation.

Role highlights

• Play a key leadership role in driving a culture of Zero Harm and continuous improvement across CSIRO.
• Lead a collaborative national HSE Business Partnering team, providing strategic guidance to Research Units.
• Hybrid working options and flexible arrangements available.

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

As one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary mission-driven research organisations, we are focused on issues that matter most — for our quality of life, our economy, and our environment. We believe diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. When we focus on the big things that really matter and work in partnership with communities and Indigenous Australia, Australian science and technology can solve seemingly impossible problems.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

We’re seeking an experienced and strategic leader for the role of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Executive Manager (Business Partnering). Reporting to the Director, Health, Safety and Environment, this role leads a national team of HSE Business Partners and provides strategic direction and coordination of HSE initiatives across CSIRO’s Research Units.

You will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of proactive safety leadership, influencing positive change, and driving innovative HSE programs that support CSIRO’s mission and people.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Drive the development and implementation of CSIRO’s HSE strategic plan, fostering innovation and consistency across the organisation.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with Research Unit Executive teams to deliver tailored HSE initiatives that align with CSIRO’s goals.
• Lead and develop a team of HSE Business Partners, promoting collaboration, empowerment, and continuous professional growth.
• Influence and contribute to senior leadership teams to integrate HSE priorities into all aspects of CSIRO operations.
• Champion CSIRO’s commitment to Zero Harm through cultural leadership, engagement, and sustainable HSE improvement initiatives.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements:
All CSIRO sites considered, preference for Canberra, Perth and Brisbane.

Salary: AU$157,833 – AU$174,631 per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation.

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full-time.

Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on the needs of the role and individual circumstances.

Reference: 101659

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A degree with demonstrated achievement in senior advisory and managerial roles in health, safety, science or risk management, ideally with postgraduate managerial qualifications.
• Extensive experience leading HSE management in large or complex organisations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HSE legislation, codes of practice and standards.
• Proven ability to coach, influence and build trusted relationships that promote a positive HSE culture aligned with organisational objectives.
• Demonstrated experience driving cultural change and building high-performing, collaborative teams.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead across geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated track record of accountability, innovation and achieving measurable outcomes in HSE performance.
• A demonstrated commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, with a willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of Zero Harm.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person listed in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact wade.barker@csiro.au to let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security, medical or character requirements.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online at jobs.csiro.au and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role. Internal applicants please apply via Jobs Central. If you experience difficulties when applying, please email careers.online@csiro.au.

Applications close

Sunday 9 November 2025, 11:00pm AEDT