Our client is a growing national transport and logistics business with a sizeable fleet and depot network across Australia. They are now creating a National HSEQ Manager position to build a contemporary safety, quality and compliance framework from the ground up, with strong backing from the executive team and Board.
This is a true greenfield role. You will shape how safety is understood, measured and embedded across the business, lifting performance in areas such as Chain of Responsibility, NHVR compliance, incident management and return‑to‑work.
About the role
Reporting to the CFO, the National HSEQ Manager will be based primarily at the Northern suburbs based depot and CBD Head Office, and spend regular time across the depot network. The initial focus will be to understand the current risk profile, design a fit‑for‑purpose HSEQ framework, and then embed practical tools and behaviours with leaders and frontline teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement a national HSEQ strategy, policies and procedures.
- Build a positive safety culture by explaining the “why” and coaching leaders at all levels.
- Establish clear standards and processes aligned to NHVR, CoR and relevant ISO requirements.
- Design simple KPIs and reporting for incidents, near misses and corrective actions.
- Oversee incident management and return‑to‑work, lifting performance from a low base.
- Partner with depot managers, fleet and maintenance teams to identify and control operational risks.
- Create and roll out SOPs across key activities, including fleet operations and automated conveyor systems.
- Provide regular risk, compliance and performance reporting to the CFO and senior leadership.
About you
You are a practical safety professional who enjoys being out in the operation as much as working on frameworks and reporting. You are confident taking something that is currently basic and building a fit‑for‑purpose, scalable approach.
We are seeking someone who can demonstrate:
- Background in transport, logistics, warehousing or a similar fleet‑intensive environment.
- Strong understanding of NHVR and Chain of Responsibility obligations.
- Experience with fleet risk, driver log book compliance and depot safety.
- Exposure to quality and compliance systems, ideally including ISO‑aligned frameworks.
- Experience developing SOPs and safety systems in a greenfield or low‑maturity setting.
- Ability to engage with operational leaders and explain the “why” in clear, relatable language.
- A solutions‑focused mindset, able to identify issues and implement practical, sustainable fixes.
- Organisational agility and comfort working closely with finance, risk and operations stakeholders.
Career path and benefits
This is a rare chance to step into a newly created national role with a mandate to lift safety and compliance across the whole business. Over time, there is potential to build out a small HSEQ team, including dedicated support at each depot as the framework matures.
- Competitive salary package with flexibility for the right candidate.
- National remit and regular contact with the executive team.
- Opportunity to design and own the HSEQ framework from the ground up.
- Supportive environment that recognises safety as a genuine business priority.
To learn more or if you would like to have a confidential conversation about this role, please click “Apply” or if you have any questions contact Tim Barraclough at tbarraclough@sharpandcarter.com.au.
