WHS Manager

WHO WE ARE 

Known best as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', JD Sports reigns supreme as one of the biggest and best global Sports Fashion brands across footwear and apparel. 

Founded in 1981 in Greater Manchester UK, JD Group has achieved remarkable growth through rapid global expansion, now standing as the leading global sports fashion retailer. With over 3,400 stores worldwide, we strive to inspire the emerging generation through a captivating connection to the universal culture of Sport, Music, and Fashion.   

In 2017, JD Sports first launched within the Australian market and has since expanded to 60+ stores across all Australian states and New Zealand, with plans for continued future growth. Our mission is to offer unparalleled service and style to all our customers.   

Working at JD Sports is a state of mind, an attitude and way of challenging the norm. We do not conform; we create our own path and are elite within our field. And now, we’re seeking talented and passionate individuals to join our team.

THE ROLE

The WHS Manager ANZ plays a critical role in shaping a safety-first culture across JD Sports’ Retail, Distribution Centre, and Support Office environments. As the go-to WHS expert, you’ll partner with leaders to drive strategic initiatives, ensure compliance, and bring JD’s ‘Safety First’ mindset to life.

From leading wellbeing programs and risk management plans to driving real-time improvements through data and insight, this role is all about impact. You’ll develop and embed practical, people-first solutions that keep our teams safe, engaged, and empowered, while helping build a best-in-class WHS culture that grows with the business.

Reporting into the GM People & Culture, this role is responsible for, but not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Advisory

• Act as the primary WHS advisor for JD Sports New Zealand, providing strategic and operational support to senior leaders across DC, Retail, and Support Office
• Drive the implementation of the JD Sports ANZ WHS strategy tailored to legislative requirements
• Coach and influence leaders to embed a ‘Safety First’ mindset and ensure accountability for WHS performance

WHS Policy & Program Development

• Develop, implement and maintain WHS policies, procedures, and systems that meet legislative requirements and JD Sports standards
• Champion wellbeing initiatives aligned to JD’s global programs, with a focus on mental health, fatigue management, and injury prevention
• Lead the development of site-specific risk management plans and support teams in implementing effective controls

Risk Management & Compliance

• Conduct and support risk assessments and control reviews across the DC, Retail, and Support Office environments
• Monitor compliance with WHS legislative obligations, and act as liaison with Australia & New Zealand regulators (e.g., WorkSafe NZ) including for notifiable incidents
• Lead regular audits and inspections, document findings, and develop corrective action plans in collaboration with operational leaders
• Maintain registers for hazards, incidents, and risks, ensuring trends are identified and addressed proactively

Incident Management & Investigation

• Lead incident investigations to determine root causes, develop corrective actions, and ensure effective closure
• Coach managers on investigation methodologies and ensure timely reporting to both internal and regulatory stakeholders
• Collaborate with the People team and external providers to support rehabilitation and return to work (RTW) programs

Training & Capability Building

• Identify WHS training needs and coordinate the delivery of training programs including inductions, manual handling, incident response, and toolbox talks
• Support and guide Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and local safety committees to enhance safety engagement at the site level

Reporting & Analysis

• Maintain accurate WHS data and produce timely reports on lead and lag indicators for ANZ and NZ leadership
• Track WHS performance trends, highlight areas of concern, and develop data driven improvement initiatives
• Contribute to global reporting and local dashboards

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR?

• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience developing, implementing, and maintaining WHS systems within Retail or like industry
• Proven ability to apply and interpret current Australian & New Zealand workplace health, safety, and environmental legislation, including obligations for notifiable incidents and regulator engagement
• Demonstrated success in embedding and monitoring safety management systems across diverse locations (e.g., Retail, Distribution Centre, and Support Office)
• Experience driving a strong safety-first culture that results in measurable improvements in safety performance and employee engagement
• Strong experience in hazard identification, risk assessments, and implementation of effective control measures aligned to site specific risks
• Confident in influencing and coaching leaders to build WHS accountability at all levels of the business

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Birthday leave
• Competitive Salary
• One month paid parental leave
• Referral bonus scheme
• Training and development to evolve and shape your career 
• Opportunity to progress across all areas of the business including Retail, Support Office and our Distribution Centre 
• Treat yourself with our attractive staff discount! This can also be used for friends and family 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program & Mental Health champions

We are passionate about connecting with driven and skilled individuals who are invested in their development, so that together we can evolve our brand's success, alongside evolving your career.  

JD values diversity and inclusion and champions a culture where everyone feels, valued, included, and celebrated.  

What are you waiting for? Apply today and kick start your JD Sports Journey.

Please note, by applying for this role, you consent to us completing a Work Rights check to verify your working rights where required.