Return to Work & Wellbeing Manager

Job title : Return to Work & Wellbeing Manager
Location : Sydney
Job type : Permanent or Full Time
Contact name : McKenzie Reeves
Contact email : mreeves@sharpandcarter.com.au
Job reference : 1693180
Sharp & Carter are partnering with a nationally recognised organisation in the transport and logistics sector to appoint their next Return to Work & Wellbeing Manager. This is a highly visible role with genuine influence, focused on supporting people through injury, recovery and return to meaningful work — while balancing strong commercial and compliance outcomes. Based in Sydney, this role supports a national workforce across multiple sites in a standalone capacity.

The Role
Reporting to the Head of HR, this role owns the end‑to‑end workers’ compensation, injury management and wellbeing agenda nationally. It blends hands‑on case management with strategic program ownership.

Workers’ Compensation & Injury Management
  • Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of workers’ compensation claims nationally, ensuring full legislative compliance.
  • Lead the development and continuous improvement of injury management systems, policies and procedures.
  • Conduct regular reviews of claims to identify trends, cost drivers and opportunities to reduce premium exposure.
  • Maintain strong insurer, broker and provider relationships to support positive claim and recovery outcomes.
  • Facilitate case review meetings to drive meaningful RTW outcomes.
Return-to-Work Leadership
  • Design and embed evidence‑based early intervention and RTW programs, aligned with organisational needs.
  • Partner with operational leaders to coordinate suitable duties, workplace adjustments and graduated RTW plans.
  • Build capability across sites through coaching, mentoring and guiding leaders on all aspects of RTW.
Wellbeing & Mental Health
  • Play a key role in shaping a proactive, modern wellbeing strategy - supporting both physical and psychological safety.
  • Contribute to mental health initiatives, resilience programs and EAP engagement.
  • Champion a culture of care, accountability, early reporting and open communication.
Reporting, Insights & Leadership
  • Deliver meaningful and visually clear reporting to senior leadership using Power BI.
  • Provide strategic advice on emerging risks, claims trends and regulatory changes.
  • Influence leaders at all levels, supporting strong decision-making throughout the recovery journey.
About You
You are people‑first, grounded and commercially astute - able to balance empathy with compliant decision‑making. You thrive in fast‑paced operational environments and enjoy building strong relationships with leaders, insurers and frontline teams.

You’ll bring:
  • Strong end‑to‑end injury management and RTW experience across complex operations.
  • Experience within logistics, transport, aviation, manufacturing or other high‑risk/fast‑paced industries (highly regarded but not essential).
  • A genuine passion for wellbeing, not just compliance.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and guide leaders.
  • Calmness under pressure and the ability to manage competing demands in a dynamic environment.
The Environment
You’ll be joining a collaborative, pragmatic and supportive safety and HR team.
  • 4 days on-site, 1 day WFH (post-probation)
  • National travel required to support key sites
  • High autonomy with strong visibility and executive access
For a confidential discussion, please contact McKenzie Reeves at mreeves@sharpandcarter.com.au
Sharp & Carter is committed to inclusive recruitment practices and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.