"Health and Safety Specialist / Senior Health and Safety Specialist"

Job Description:

• Join whilst we are in growth mode and be part of the journey!
• Flexible working options to support your work-life balance
• Full time, permanent role based in Auckland CBD

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

In the People and Culture (P&C) Directorate, we are focussed on creating the best employee experience in everything we do. AUT’s central Health and Safety team operate a proactive partnering model across all aspects of the University, ensuring Health & Safety is part of our day to day culture.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We are growing our team! We have a Health and Safety Specialist position and a Senior Health and Safety Specialist position available on full time, permanent basis.

You will work with the business to provide specialist advice and support to your stakeholders/portfolios. Your role will focus on ensuring all our people, staff, students, and academics understand Health and Safety their responsibilities. You could be involved in anything from providing policy advice, incident investigations, undertaking assurance and audit programmes, supporting training, and partnering with your portfolio. The complexity of our environment will expose you to unique opportunities and challenges.

About you | Ko wai koe

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

You will be used to operating as a trusted advisor in a professional Health and Safety team. You will also bring with you:

• Experience within diverse health and safety environments
• Experience undertaking investigations, risk assessments, training, technical investigations, management of contractors, and reviewing safety plans in addition to strategic level oversight would be advantageous
• A proactive approach to identifying risk and suitable controls
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).

Health and Safety Specialist:

• At least 3 years' experience providing sound advice and guidance in a large, complex organisation

Senior Health and Safety Specialist:

• At least 5 years' experience providing sound advice and guidance in a large, complex organisation
• At least 2 years’ experience leading a team
• Experience with responsibility for functional areas in Health & Safety Management Systems, Hazardous Substances, Assurance and Risk, Digital solutions and Reporting

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward.
• Free gym membership.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: As soon as possible
• For further information: please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 11 March at 10.30pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94713

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week