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. 

We do this by:

• Helping teams prioritise the work that matters most.
• Ensuring people have the right systems, processes and tools to do their jobs.
• Helping teams to improve the way they work.
• Helping people feel connected to the organisation and to each other.
• Supporting our people to be the ‘best versions of themselves’.
• Ensuring we maintain a safe, healthy work environment.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the Health and Safety Manager, you will play a proactive role in championing and driving health and safety initiatives through strong business partnering.

You’ll help embed and support health and safety across the organisation, supported by a dedicated Health and Safety Team, and act as a visible advocate for safety excellence throughout the Council.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the design and execution of strategic and operational health and safety programs, ensuring alignment with Council’s overarching strategy.
• Deliver a high-quality, customer-focused health and safety service that meets organisational needs and reflects industry best practice.
• Provide expert coaching, guidance, and advice to managers across supported groups, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

In this role, you’ll support designated Council business units with a focus on risk management, assurance and education. You’ll be actively engaged across a range of sites throughout each week providing hands-on support and guidance. 

You will bring a demonstrated ability to convey complex health and safety matters clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing to a range of internal and external stakeholders.

This is a rare chance to be part of a truly diverse organisation where you’ll broaden your health and safety expertise across multiple operational areas. It’s an ideal stepping stone to grow your career and shape your professional pathway.

We’re seeking someone who is well-organised, enjoys being out in the field, and brings an open-minded approach to their work. You’ll be joining a genuinely supportive and transparent team with a strong, collaborative dynamic.

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: 10/03/2026

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.