Reference: 1645159
About the Role:
Curtin University is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head our Hazardous Materials Team within the Health and Safety portfolio.
In this influential leadership role, you'll shape the University's hazardous materials strategy by providing expert advice, driving continuous improvement and partnering with senior leaders to strengthen safe, compliant and sustainable practices across a complex organisation.
Working collaboratively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, you'll lead the development of frameworks, systems and programs that enhance governance, legislative compliance and operational performance. Your ability to influence, build trusted relationships and deliver strategic initiatives will be key to embedding a proactive safety culture and ensuring the University's hazardous materials management remains effective, responsive and future-focused.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Provide strategic leadership for the University's Hazardous Materials function, ensuring the effective delivery of advisory services, operational activities and improvement initiatives.
- Partner with senior leaders, managers and key stakeholders to influence decision-making, embed best practice and strengthen hazardous materials governance across the University.
- Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of hazardous materials frameworks, policies, procedures and systems that support compliance, operational excellence and organisational resilience.
- Drive innovation through process improvement, digital solutions, data analytics and performance reporting to enhance service delivery and inform strategic decision-making.
- Develop and monitor strategic plans, audit programs, KPIs and performance measures to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.
- Provide high-level specialist advice on hazardous materials legislation, risk management, investigations and regulatory compliance.
- Lead, coach and develop a specialist team, fostering collaboration, capability development and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Develop and oversee hazardous materials education and training programs that build organisational capability and promote safe work practices.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with regulatory agencies, industry partners and internal committees, representing Health and Safety on the Hazardous Materials Working Groups and other relevant forums.
- Oversee hazardous materials systems, investigations, audit activities and regulatory reporting to ensure compliance with legislative requirements, Australian Standards and University policies.
Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria):
- Significant leadership experience in leading a team within a large or complex organisation (highly desirable previous experience in overseeing hazardous materials or hygiene teams).
- Proven success developing and implementing strategic initiatives that improve governance, compliance, operational performance and organisational capability.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships and work collaboratively across all organisational levels.
- A strong track record of leading continuous improvement, and innovation through contemporary systems, processes and data-driven decision-making.
- Extensive knowledge of hazardous materials legislation, risk management principles and regulatory compliance.
Role Requirements:
- As this is a continuing (permanent) role, you will require permanent work rights in Australia to be considered
- Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/
What We Offer You:
This Continuous G09 level role attracts a remuneration of $138,681 - $146,497 + 17% superannuation.
Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.
For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/
Join Us!
If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:
- Up-to-date Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages
If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on
[email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.
Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Sunday 2nd of August 2026
Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.
Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. 