Senior Advisor – Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Permanent Role 0.9 FTE (33.75 hours per week)

Wellington

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

Want to use your HSW expertise to make a real difference across a national organisation?

New Zealand Red Cross is looking for an experienced and highly capable Senior Advisor – Health, Safety & Wellbeing to join our small but busy national HSW team. This is a hands-on role for someone who gets things done. You will provide practical, trusted HSW advice across the organisation while taking ownership of projects and helping strengthen our systems, processes and tools. You will work with operational teams, our retail network and senior leaders, with a varied workload spanning HSW advice, risk management, investigations, projects, data, policy development and reporting. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running, work autonomously, prioritise effectively and turn plans into tangible outcomes.

Remuneration reflects relevant skills and experience and is positioned circa $110k pro-rata for 0.9 FTE (33.75 hours per week). NZRC remunerates on a total remuneration approach encompassing base salary and employer contribution to KiwiSaver.

What you'll do – Mahi

Working as part of our HSW team, you will:

• Provide practical, solutions-focused HSW advice to our Red Cross People.
• Lead HSW projects and initiatives from planning through to implementation and completion.
• Develop and review HSW policies, procedures, guidance, tools and communications.
• Support HSW risk management, including critical risk programmes.
• Undertake investigations, reviews and assurance activities.
• Analyse HSW data and turn it into clear insights, reports and presentations.
• Prepare high-quality written material for operational teams and senior leaders.
• Build effective relationships and confidently influence and challenge when required.
• Support consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to simplify, improve and modernise HSW systems and processes.
• Provide technical support and coaching to other HSW team members.

What you'll bring – Nōu te rourou

You will be an experienced HSW professional who combines strong technical knowledge with a practical, delivery-focused approach.

You will have:

• Strong knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, relevant regulations and HSW guidance.
• Experience in a Senior HSW Advisor or HSW Advisor role.
• A proven ability to take ownership, manage competing priorities and deliver work to agreed timeframes.
• Strong HSW risk management experience, including critical risk.
• Experience developing HSW policies, procedures, guidance and systems.
• Experience with HSW investigations, audits or assurance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence providing constructive advice and influencing people at all levels.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset and the ability to work effectively in a changing environment.
• The ability to coach and support other HSW team members.

Digital capability matters

• Strong digital and IT skills are important in this role.
• You will be confident using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with strong Excel and data-analysis capability particularly valuable.
• You will be comfortable working with HSW systems, data and digital tools and interested in using technology and AI appropriately to improve productivity, analysis, reporting and HSW delivery.

Qualifications and experience

Ideally, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Health, Safety, Wellbeing or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years' relevant HSW experience, with Senior Advisor-level experience desirable.
• Relevant professional membership, such as NZISM.
• Experience working in a complex organisation.
• Experience with ICAM or another recognised investigation methodology.
• Experience developing and implementing HSW programmes, systems or initiatives

The person we're looking for – Mā wai te mahi nei?

• Gets things done. You take ownership and keep work moving without needing to be constantly directed.
• Works independently. You can organise your workload, make sound judgements and manage competing priorities.
• Thinks practically. You focus on solutions and outcomes, not just identifying problems or producing documents.
• Can influence. You build relationships, have constructive challenging conversations and provide advice people can act on.
• Writes and communicates well. You can turn complex HSW information into clear advice, reports and communications.
• Is digitally confident. You are comfortable with technology, data and Microsoft Office and look for smarter ways of working.
• Enjoys variety. You are comfortable moving between operational advice, projects, investigations, data and day-to-day HSW matters.

Most importantly, you care about doing quality work and seeing your work make a difference.

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 13,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.   

Why work with us? 

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.  

Our benefits include: 

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities 
• Annual flu vaccinations 
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance  

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.  

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume 

• Cover Letter 

• Passport 

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 2710/2026.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Sharon Taylor at sharon.taylor@redcross.org.nz   

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early. 

Click here for the Job Description