Position Overview
- 12 month max term, Full-time opportunity
- True hybrid working – work from home and our Mitcham office
- $162,322 per annum inclusive of 12% superannuation
About Us
We’re on a mission to create a brighter future, where you can be a change maker at the actual source. We’re one of Australia’s largest water utilities with over 30% of Victoria’s population relying on us for their essential water and sanitation services.
Our award-winning culture fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment that enables our people to thrive. Here, you’ll be inspired and challenged to grow alongside us.
We're committed to reconciliation and supporting the self-determined role for Traditional Owners/Custodians in water and land management.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Safe & Well Business Partner to play a key role in strengthening how safety is embedded across our operations, projects, field work and contractor environments.
This role is for someone who doesn’t just maintain safety systems — but improves them, by focussing on the people who use them, the human factors that influence behaviours and the underlying principles of Human and Organisational Performance (HOP).
You will prioritise the embedment of our Contractor Safety Partnering Framework (the Framework) by uplifting safety capability among our internal Project and Contract Managers, whilst balancing operational delivery with safety and requirements, driving consistency across the business in how the Framework is applied, and strengthening leader ownership and accountability.
At the centre of the contractor safety focus, you will work with leaders, Project Managers, Contract Managers and field teams to ensure contractor safety management practices are practical, consistent, data-informed, and effective in preventing harm.
Your Key Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll lead and influence across a broad range of contractor safety activities, including:
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Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Contractor Safety Partnering Framework (CSPF) Re-engagement Plan, driving a consistent, risk-based and partnership-led approach to contractor safety across the organisation.
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Partner with Project Managers, Contract Managers and operational leaders to strengthen capability, confidence and decision-making in the application of contractor safety requirements and the concept of control.
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Design and deliver CSPF roadshows, workshops, coaching programs and scenario-based training that build contractor safety leadership capability and embed consistent practices across the business.
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Provide expert advice and support during contractor procurement and tender evaluation processes, ensuring safety expectations are proportionate, risk-informed and aligned with the intent of the CSPF.
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Review and improve contractor onboarding, safety kick-off and engagement processes to ensure they establish effective safety partnerships, shared understanding of risks and clear safety expectations from the outset.
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Lead initiatives to improve the quality and consistency of Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP) reviews, contractor onboarding systems and contractor safety information management processes.
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Coach and support Project Managers and Contract Managers in conducting effective safety walks, safety conversations and risk-based interventions that promote learning, accountability and positive safety outcomes.
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Analyse contractor safety performance, incidents, hazards, audit outcomes and assurance data to identify trends, extract learnings and drive targeted safety improvements across contractor operations.
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Strengthen governance, leadership accountability and role clarity for contractor safety management, including the development of frameworks, guidance materials and implementation measures that support sustainable CSPF embedment.
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Build trusted and collaborative relationships with contractors, business leaders and key stakeholders to reinforce a genuine partnering approach, improve safety culture and deliver meaningful safety outcomes across the contractor lifecycle.
What we’re Looking for
We’re looking for someone who is confident operating in complex, fast-paced environments and brings a strong blend of technical safety capability and influence.
You’ll bring experience in:
- Contractor safety management
- Safety advisory and stakeholder influence at leadership level
- Project Management experience or experience delivering safety programs
- Interpreting safety data and turning it into practical insight
- Improving and embedding safety systems in real-world operational settings
You’ll also be someone who:
- Thinks in systems, not silos
- Is comfortable challenging thinking and driving better decisions
- Can balance detail with big-picture risk priorities
- Builds trust and credibility with operational leaders and contractors
- Enjoys improving “how work actually gets done,” not just how it’s documented
Why Yarra Valley Water?
We celebrate and encourage new thinking at every level. Creating opportunities for you to grow – both professionally, and personally. When you flourish, we all do.
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$162,322 per annum inclusive of 12% superannuation
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Flexible working arrangements where our people are empowered to design their days with their team. Read our hybrid playbook HERE.
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Free and secure on-site parking with on-site café at our Mitcham office.
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16 weeks paid parental leave.
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15 days paid personal leave, which can be used for caring, illness, wellbeing and mental health needs.
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5 days paid reproductive leave which can be used for experiencing symptoms or undergoing procedures associated with issues such as menopause, menstruation, endometriosis, PCOS, prostate health, or IVF.
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Request to swap certain public holidays for another day of paid leave.
To read more about our benefits and culture, read our employee handbook HERE.
Did you Know?
Research shows that men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalised people tend to only apply when they meet all of them. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily tick every box, please apply or get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.
How to Apply
Applications should include a supporting Cover Letter and Resume.
Closing date: Monday 27th July 2026
This position is available for Yarra Valley Water employees and external applicants.
We welcome applications from everyone, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature age and young job seekers, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people of all cultural backgrounds.
If you need this information in an accessible format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please call 03 9872 2599 or email [email protected].
If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss the recruitment process, please contact us via email [email protected].
Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and agree to provide information for pre-employment checks, if required for the position. This may also include a Police Check or AusCheck, where an offer will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of these checks.
Yarra Valley Water is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.
