NFP | Permanent Full-Time | Animal Welfare League of Queensland

Located in Coombabah on the Gold Coast, with travel to other AWLQ sites across South East Queensland.

About Us 

At Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ), our vision is for every companion animal to have a safe and caring environment where their needs are met. We are driven by a commitment to integrity, compassion, innovation, and optimism. As a leader in the animal welfare sector, we're dedicated to a brighter future for both animals and our community. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, our new Safety and Wellness Manager will be the driving force behind a proactive safety culture at AWLQ. This is the first dedicated safety and wellness role in the organisation, so you'll be shaping it from the ground up: leading our WHS strategy, coaching managers across every site, and building the systems that protect our people while they protect our animals. If you're a safety leader who can influence, collaborate and bring people with you, this is a genuine opportunity to make your mark.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Governance and Systems Leadership: Spearhead the development and continuous improvement of the AWLQ Work Health & Safety Strategy and Management System, ensuring full compliance with legislation and industry standards.
• Culture and Capability Building: Design and drive organisation-wide training frameworks, awareness campaigns, and WHS committee initiatives that foster proactive worker consultation, safety consciousness, and leadership coaching.
• Enterprise Risk and Analytics: Own high-level risk identification frameworks and leverage data-driven reporting suites, dashboards, and predictive analytics to monitor KPIs and inform executive decision-making.
• Compliance, Auditing and Assurance: Direct internal audit programs and proactive risk assessment initiatives, partnering with line management to implement robust, enterprise-wide control measures.
• Organisational Resilience and Integration: Guide overarching emergency planning, high-level incident governance, and strategic alignment with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and workplace agreements. 

Essential Skills and Attributes 

• Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Work Health & Safety, or equivalent professional experience. 
• Fire Safety Advisor Qualification  
• Demonstrated experience in a WHS leadership role, ideally five years or more  
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation, regulation and Codes of Practice
• Excellent communication, advisory, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and WHS management software systems
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel regularly across SEQ (fleet vehicle provided) 

Desirable

• Experience in the not-for-profit sector
• Project management experience

We Offer

• Fleet vehicle for site travel
• Discounts on veterinary services
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• The chance to build a safety function from the ground up, with genuine executive support

How to apply  

If you are a proactive innovator who thrives on collaboration, continuous improvement, and making workplaces safer and smarter, we want to hear from you! Help us safeguard those who save animals every single day, please submit a CV & cover letter, addressing the requirements. The shortlisting process will commence immediately.  

Equity  

Diversity and inclusion are the principles guiding how we build our teams, cultivate our leaders and build a culture of belonging where differences are valued.