Head of HSE - Major Hazard Facilities

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s 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 what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

Our corporate team is a central hub for Thales Australia. It’s 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 capabilities

• Lead and manage HSE teams across multiple sites nationally to provide high-quality support for Explosive Ordnance Services and Australian Munitions businesses

• Advise senior leadership on hazard identification, risk management, safety management system implementation, and emergency planning to ensure regulatory compliance

• Engage with executive leadership and external regulatory bodies to uphold compliance with major hazard facility regulations and Work Health and Safety, Dangerous Goods and Environmental laws

• Act as the Explosive Safety Authority for the Thales CEO, serving as the sole explosives licensing authority in Australia

• Lead investigations into major incidents and near misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and implementation of preventive measures

• Overseeing process safety leadership across all MHFs

• Drive 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 manufacturing

• Expertise in process safety management, safety case development, and major accident hazard risk management

• In-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 operations

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamwork

• Significant experience with risk assessment methodologies, including facilitation of high-quality HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEAs

• Strong experience in incident investigations and audit assurance activities; ICAM Lead Investigator and Lead Auditor qualifications are highly regarded

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams with effective interpersonal and verbal communication

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, manufacturing, Applied Science, Science, or a related field

• Postgraduate qualification in Safety, Risk, or Process Safety Engineering preferred

• Certification as a Process Safety Professional (e.g., IChemE, CCPS) or equivalent industry certification.

• Ability to obtain Australian Defence Clearances

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t 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. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll 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.