Health & Safety Operations Manager

About the role

Napier City Council is seeking a seasoned Health & Safety Operations Manager to help maintain a workplace where employees, contractors, and visitors can work safely and with confidence every day. This is a practical leadership role focused on strengthening safety culture, improving systems, and supporting the organisation to meet legal duties while aiming for leading practice.

You will work closely with leaders, operational teams, and contractors to promote sensible health and safety solutions, provide coaching and expert guidance, and drive ongoing improvement. The role sits within the collaborative People & Capability team, which partners with leaders across the organisation to create positive workplace experiences and a strong connection between safety, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

What you'll do

• Lead and grow a high-performing health and safety team that provides practical, service-oriented support across the council.
• Offer expert operational advice, coaching, and guidance to leaders, teams, and contractors on health and safety matters.
• Own the ongoing enhancement of the Safety Management System and related frameworks.
• Ensure council remains compliant through strong systems, monitoring, reporting, and governance.
• Support and lead investigations into incidents, hazards, and near misses, turning findings into meaningful learning.
• Encourage a proactive reporting environment where health and safety concerns are raised, discussed, and acted on.
• Improve contractor health and safety performance through engagement, audits, and risk controls.
• Review health and safety data and prepare useful insights and reports for the Chief People Officer and leadership team.
• Build capability across the organisation through coaching, facilitation, and practical education.
• Drive operational initiatives that improve the council’s health and safety culture and support continuous improvement.

What you'll bring

We’re looking for a pragmatic, approachable leader who can build strong relationships and influence positive change. You should be comfortable working with both frontline teams and senior leaders, offering balanced, workable advice that helps people embed safe practices into everyday work.

You’ll be visible across the organisation, partnering with others to solve problems, identify improvements, and make health and safety part of how work gets done.

Requirements

• A relevant health and safety qualification at NZQA Level 6 or an equivalent background, or comparable industry experience.
• At least 5 years of operational experience in a senior health and safety leadership or advisory role.
• Experience leading, coaching, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand health and safety law and current best practice.
• Demonstrated ability to earn trust and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching capability.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills, with a continuous improvement mindset.

Benefits and perks

• 5 weeks of annual leave after 2 years of service.
• Discounted health insurance scheme and eye test subsidy.
• Retail discounts and study support.
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP).
• Quarterly values awards, birthday vouchers, and a social club.
• Free annual flu vaccinations.
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga and NCC Kapa Haka.
• Te Reo Māori language classes.

Employment details

This is a permanent full-time position based in Napier. The working pattern is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

The annual salary package is NZ$123,817 to NZ$138,383, inclusive of KiwiSaver, with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the role may close once the right candidate is identified.

Eligibility and other information

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. If you need any support or adjustments during the application or interview process, the council is happy to help.

The organisation’s success is supported by strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, including work led by the Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before starting, you will need to complete pre-employment checks, including criminal background checks. Some roles may also require health screening and drug and alcohol testing. As an employee, you may also be asked to assist with Civil Defence emergencies when the community needs support.

Please note that the full job description is available on the Napier City Council careers website.