Director: Wellbeing, Health and Safety
Full Time, Permanent
Tēnā koutou katoa
We seek an exceptional leader to join our Leadership Group as Director Wellbeing, Health and Safety.
Ko wai mātou | About us as an organisation
At Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.
We are guided by our values and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Leadership Group as Director Wellbeing, Health and Safety.
This is more than a health and safety leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape organisational culture, champion wellbeing, and lead an integrated people-centred approach to health, safety and care across our diverse learning and working environments.
Mō te tūraka mahi | About the role
Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director: People and Safety, the Director Wellbeing, Health and Safety provides strategic leadership across health, safety, wellbeing, emergency management, risk reduction, and psychosocial safety.
You will lead the development and implementation of systems, programmes and initiatives that create a positive culture of wellbeing and ensure compliance with legislative obligations while supporting Otago Polytechnic's values and strategic priorities.
As a trusted advisor, you will work closely with senior leaders, managers, kaimahi, ākonga, unions and external stakeholders to strengthen organisational capability and create environments where people feel physically and psychologically safe.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver Otago Polytechnic's strategic wellbeing, health and safety framework.
- Lead organisational approaches to psychosocial risk management, mental wellbeing and workplace culture.
- Provide expert advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Council on health, safety and wellbeing matters.
- Strengthen critical risk management, assurance, reporting and governance.
- Lead emergency preparedness, resilience and business continuity initiatives.
- Build health and safety capability across leaders and teams.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, engagement and shared accountability for wellbeing and safety.
- Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations.
Ko wai koe | About you
You are an experienced and influential leader with a proven ability to drive strategic change and build positive organisational culture.
You will bring:
- Extensive senior leadership experience in health, safety and wellbeing.
- Demonstrated success leading culture change and organisational improvement initiatives.
- Strong understanding of contemporary wellbeing, psychosocial risk and health and safety practices.
- Experience working with Boards, Executive teams and governance groups.
- Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.
- A collaborative leadership style and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and equitable outcomes.
- Relevant postgraduate qualifications and/or professional accreditation in health, safety, wellbeing, risk management or a related discipline.
Why Join Us?
At Otago Polytechnic, people are at the heart of everything we do. This role offers the opportunity to influence organisational direction, contribute to meaningful outcomes for our communities, and leave a lasting legacy through the wellbeing and safety of our people.
We offer:
- A values-led and purpose-driven organisation.
- A supportive and collaborative executive leadership environment.
- Opportunities to shape strategy and organisational culture.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Competitive executive remuneration package.
Apply Now
If you are passionate about creating environments where people thrive and have the vision, leadership and expertise to shape the future of wellbeing, health and safety at Otago Polytechnic, we would welcome your application.
Join us in creating a workplace where everyone can learn, work and succeed safely and well.
The successful applicant will uphold our organisation’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuously developing and upholding your understanding of our obligations and connection with Te Tiriti as an individual and as an organisation
Through recognition, empowerment and inclusion, you will give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
For specific information contact Jo Mika-Thomas 0800 762 786 or jo.mika-thomas@op.ac.nz
For a position description or to apply please click on the link.
Applications close 5pm, Monday 30 November 2026.