Health & Safety Manager - Transport
Are you a practical, relationship-driven safety leader who thrives in dynamic, real-world environments? HWR, New Zealand’s largest, most diverse and respected privately-owned transport companies, is on the lookout for an experienced Health & Safety Manager to champion safety and wellbeing across their Transport (Rural/Specialised) Divisions.
This is a central, people-focused position working closely with our joint venture partners, frontline teams, and business owners across 9 companies (15 brands), from Invercargill through to Auckland. Your day-to-day work will include connecting with teams on the ground, ensuring systems are embedded and understood, and building on a culture where safety is owned by everyone.
About HWR
Proudly based in Southland, HWR has grown from a family-owned building business to a trans-Tasman group operating across Transport, Fuel Distribution, Ready Mixed Concrete, Contracting, Aggregates, Environmental Services, Property and Tourism. With 49 brands and a strong local focus, they are committed to delivering quality, safety, and service with heart.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and influence Health & Safety across 9 transport companies within the Rural and Specialised divisions
- Build strong working relationships with owners, operational leaders and frontline teams
- Conduct site visits, audits, risk assessments and investigations across regional locations
- Deliver actionable insights through monthly safety reporting, dashboard monitoring and data analysis
- Coach and upskill owners and employees to ensure safety is integrated (but not delegated)
- Lead incident investigations, liaise with WorkSafe and drive critical risk management initiatives
- Manage leadership training, health and safety representative engagement and safety forums using innovative tools like video-based content
- Work closely with the Compliance and Driver Training team on key safety and operational initiatives
- Embed consistent standards across a diverse and growing operational footprint
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in a senior Health & Safety role, ideally in transport, rural, or industrial settings
- A practical, hands-on approach and the ability to relate to all levels across diverse workforces and leaders
- A recognised qualification in Health and Safety (e.g. NEBOSH, Health & Safety Management Diploma or relevant degree)
- Experience with H&S systems, risk assessments, investigations, training delivery, and safety reporting
- Strong communication and coaching skills – able to simplify technical language and get buy-in
- A self-starter attitude – comfortable working autonomously, managing your own time and efficiency
- Familiarity with mobile plant or driver compliance systems (e.g., Navman) would be advantageous
Why Join HWR?
- Be part of a Southland success story with real values and strong community roots
- Autonomy, impact and visibility – make safety meaningful and practical across NZ
- Opportunities to innovate, lead and grow – this isn’t a desk-bound job
- Supportive leadership and access to company-wide resources and systems
- The company with ‘Great People, Great Gear, Great Mates’
Ready to lead from the field, not just from the desk?
Apply now to join a company that truly backs its people to Get Home Safe – every day.
Or for questions about this opportunity, please contact Sara Forde (sara.forde@findex.co.nz / 022 013 2510)