Health & Safety Business Partner

This role sits within the People, Performance and Culture Group the purpose of which is to enable success through our people and culture. We’re all about delivering our mission of becoming the leading, community-focused council – enabling everyone who works here to deliver their very best, every day.

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Reporting to the Health and Safety Manager, this role operates as a trusted business partner, proactively championing and advancing health and safety initiatives across the organisation.

You will play a key role in embedding a strong health and safety culture, supported by a dedicated team, and act as a visible leader for safety excellence throughout the Council.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of strategic and operational health and safety programmes that align with the Council’s broader organisational objectives.
• Providing a high‑quality, customer‑centred health and safety service that meets business needs and reflects contemporary best practice.
• Offering expert coaching, guidance and advisory support to managers and leaders, strengthening capability and fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will partner with designated Council business units with a clear focus on risk management, assurance, and education. You will be regularly present across multiple sites each week, providing practical, hands‑on support and building strong relationships at all levels.

You will bring the ability to communicate complex health and safety concepts clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a highly diverse organisation and expand your health and safety expertise across a variety of operational environments. It provides a strong platform for further career development and professional growth.

We’re looking for someone organised, adaptable, and energised by field‑based work, someone who brings curiosity, openness, and a collaborative mindset.

You’ll be joining a transparent, supportive, and highly engaged team with a strong partnership approach.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Health and Safety or equivalent workplace experience.
• 5+ years’ experience in the field of health & safety.
• Knowledge and experience in applying safety principles, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and codes of practice and standards relevant to the role.
• Thorough understanding of wide range of workplace wellbeing principles and practices.
• Analytical ability and business acumen.
• A proven track record of thinking differently, acting with integrity, working together, and making it happen.
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to articulate the corporate vision and take people on a change journey.
• Self-awareness that mindset is the foundation of performance and an ability to develop self and others in this regard.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Collaborative working style and ability to influence without authority.
• Able to deal with ambiguity.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa $115K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 08/04/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.