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Job Title


Head of HSE - Major Hazard Facilities


Company : Thales


Location : Melbourne, Australia


Created : 2025-06-13


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive and that its all driven by human intelligence.Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge whats possible.From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, were driving progress in some of the worlds most important industries and working together to build a future we can all trust.Our corporate team is a central hub for Thales Australia. Its where our shared services think finance, legal, HR, procurement come together to make sure our teams across Australia have access to the business services they need. Cross-functional collaboration helps us build out Thales capabilities in a robust way and helps us open up new career opportunities for employees all across the business.Based in our Melbourne office at the World Trade Centre on Wurundjeri land, your role will focus on overseeing Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) initiatives across multiple Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) within the Vehicles and Tactical Systems (VTS) Business Line at Thales Australia.In a complex regulatory landscape, you''ll leverage your strong strategic vision to ensure risks are effectively managed, compliance is maintained, whilst championing a proactive safety culture.You will play a vital role in enhancing our risk-focused mindset, building safety leadership capability, and implementing best practices in explosives safety, process safety, and risk management, to make a significant and positive impact on a national scale.Responsibilities:Establish and maintain a framework to enhance HSE leadership capabilitiesLead and manage HSE teams across multiple sites nationally to provide high-quality support for Explosive Ordnance Services and Australian Munitions businessesAdvise senior leadership on hazard identification, risk management, safety management system implementation, and emergency planning to ensure regulatory complianceEngage with executive leadership and external regulatory bodies to uphold compliance with major hazard facility regulations and Work Health and Safety, Dangerous Goods and Environmental lawsAct as the Explosive Safety Authority for the Thales CEO, serving as the sole explosives licensing authority in AustraliaLead investigations into major incidents and near misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and implementation of preventive measuresOverseeing process safety leadership across all MHFsDrive continuous improvement in process safety and risk management through risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA) and oversight of risk reduction strategies.On day one in this role, we''ll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:Extensive leadership experience in HSE within Major Hazard Facilities or high-risk industries, such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, or manufacturingExpertise in process safety management, safety case development, and major accident hazard risk managementIn-depth knowledge of national HSE regulatory frameworks, including major hazard facility legislation, WHS, and Environmental regulations.Proven track record in driving cultural transformation and HSE excellence across multi-site operationsStrong communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamworkSignificant experience with risk assessment methodologies, including facilitation of high-quality HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEAsStrong experience in incident investigations and audit assurance activities; ICAM Lead Investigator and Lead Auditor qualifications are highly regardedDemonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams with effective interpersonal and verbal communicationMinimum of a bachelors degree in chemical engineering, manufacturing, Applied Science, Science, or a related fieldPostgraduate qualification in Safety, Risk, or Process Safety Engineering preferredCertification as a Process Safety Professional (e.g., IChemE, CCPS) or equivalent industry certification.Ability to obtain Australian Defence ClearancesAs part of our commitment, we offer:Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical InsuranceThalesFlex Hybrid work environmentRecognised leader in reservist employee supportVeterans LeaveFitness Passport Discount Access to a network of Gyms across AUSEmployee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)Modernised Paid Parental LeaveNovated Lease optionsFamily support through our partnership with Parents at WorkPersonal & professional training development opportunitiesSonder Wellbeing & Support PartnerAccess to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)And much more!Good to KnowPrior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.Its easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you dont see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right no matter your background or personal circumstances please introduce yourself or join our community. Were committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.Were proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know theres always more we can do. Well continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.Read more about our WORK180 endorsement. #J-18808-Ljbffr