Group Health Safety Manager

Group Health and Safety Manager

Detmold Group is looking for a safety leader who measures success not by documents on a shelf, but by cultures that change, behaviours that stick, and people who go home safe — every day, everywhere.

The Role

As Group Health and Safety Manager you hold executive accountability for the safety performance, culture, and governance of our entire global operation — six plants across Australia and Asia, reporting directly to the Executive General Manager - People.

You will set the strategic direction, partner with Country Managers as a trusted advisor who challenges and inspires leaders and teams. You will build genuine relationships on the ground, and lead a team of three direct reports.

This is not a desk role. It is a global brief with real reach, real responsibility, and real impact.

What You Will Do

Lead the Strategy

•   Own the Health and Safety management system

•   Set global direction aligned to our 100% SAFE & WELL commitment

•   Chair governance committees and drive Group-wide improvement

•   Lead critical incident management and corrective action globally

•   Act as the principal Health and Safety expert

Partner with Country Managers

•   Be a present, trusted partner to Country Managers across all plants

•   Embed global standards with cultural intelligence and local sensitivity

•   Engage regularly with group teams and build the relationships that make the difference

Build Capability & Culture

•   Lead cultural transformation, shift mindsets, embed values, build lasting behaviours

•   Coach and develop your Health and Safety team of three direct reports

•   Design and roll out global training frameworks and performance reporting

•   Equip leaders at every level to own safety as a leadership responsibility

Manage Compliance

•   Lead self-insurance obligations for South Australia including workers compensation, early intervention, and return-to-work

•   Ensure legislative compliance across every country of operation

•   Oversee SEDEX, CSR, and Australian site security obligations

About You

You have built a career at the intersection of strategy and operations. You know how to influence and earn trust on a factory floor and across the group. Cross-cultural environments energise rather than intimidate you.

Experience

•   15+ years progressive Health and Safety leadership; 5+ years at Group or global level

•   Multi-site manufacturing or heavy industrial background - essential

•   Proven track record across multiple countries and diverse workforces

•   Self-insurance, workers compensation, and return-to-work expertise

•   Experience working directly with Country or Regional Managers

•   Tertiary qualification in Health & Safety or equivalent

How You Lead

•   Senior level influencer, you challenge, inspire, and align

•   Hands-on and present, comfortable in the field and across borders

•   Cross-culturally intelligent, you lead through difference, not despite it

•   Strong communicator across all levels, from Executive to factory floor

•   A genuine passion for safety outcomes, not just safety compliance

Why Detmold

•   Shape global Health and Safety strategy across the group

•   100% SAFE & WELL is not a slogan - it is the standard we hold ourselves to every day, across every site

•   Australian-owned, globally minded, with 75 years of heritage and a genuine commitment to its people

•   Competitive remuneration reflective of the seniority and global scope of this role

How to Apply

Apply now with your resume and a cover letter outlining your global HSW leadership experience and your approach to partnering with Country Managers across diverse international operations.

Applications must be submitted online. Please address your application to Jennifer Pryor, Talent Acquisition Partner.

For a confidential discussion: careers@detmoldgroup.com

Detmold Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive global workplace.

We are proud to be a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer — we commit to responding to every applicant.