Health and Safety Lead
Southern Cross New Plymouth
Health and Safety Lead
Southern Cross New Plymouth Hospital is a modern private surgical hospital serving the city and wider region since 1983. As the only private surgical hospital in the city, the hospital features advanced theatres and comfortable patient facilities, with 36 inpatient beds, and a dedicated day-stay facility.
The team provides excellent pre and post-operative nursing care across a wide range of elective surgical services, including Orthopaedic surgery, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Oral and Facial Maxillary, Urology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Plastic Reconstructive and Cosmetic surgery, and General and Endoscopic surgery.
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
We're on the lookout for a passionate and experienced Health & Safety Lead to join our Safety, Quality and Risk team in a 0.6 FTE role. If you thrive on creating strong engagement with staff and contractors and have a drive for continuous improvement, this could be your next opportunity!
In this role, you'll lead our Health, Safety, and Staff Wellbeing Programmes, championing a proactive and collaborative approach to workplace wellbeing. You'll work closely with our Health & Safety representatives—mentoring, coaching, and inspiring them—while also providing expert advice and hands-on support. Your leadership will ensure our health and safety systems are not only high-performing, but also embedded in a positive culture of ownership, participation, and accountability across the hospital.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in a similar role—bonus points if you’ve worked in healthcare!
- A solid understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, plus relevant regulations, codes of practice, and industry standards.
- Experience with Learning Teams and a strong grasp of Human and Organisational Performance (HOP) principles.
- A New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety (Practice) Level 3 or a related tertiary qualification is essential.
- A natural relationship builder—able to create and maintain strong, trusted connections across departments, functions, and the wider organisation.
- A reputation for building trust through consistent, values-driven actions and clear communication.
- Proven ability to analyse and interpret data and insights, translating them into meaningful actions that resonate with people at all levels.
- Bonus qualifications: a tertiary qualification in Health and Safety, and/or certification as a trained facilitator in ICAM or Learning Teams.
- Desirable extras: event review or risk management training (ICAM, Bowtie, London Protocol), and professional memberships with NZISM or NZOHNA.
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
- Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
- Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Rainbow Network.
Ko wai matou | Our Organisation
At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:
- Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
- Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
- Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.
We’re proud to bring together over 4,000 skilled professionals—including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians—working alongside more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health experts. Together, we’re one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted healthcare providers.
Driven by a strong ‘for purpose’ ethos, we think beyond financial quarters—planning for generations to come.
Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and foster a culturally safe environment that reflects manaakitanga and values the unique perspectives of our people. Our core value, Better Together, guides our goal to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation.
Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora
Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.
