WHS Business Partner

Help shape the future of safety at the City of UnleyContribute to a safer, stronger local government workforcePermanent Full-time positionAbout usThe City of Unley is a vibrant and dynamic local council that provides a range of valued and diverse services to the surrounding community. Based on the city fringe, less than 4 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, the Council engages with their community across local business initiatives, community events, arts, environmental sustainability, community services and volunteering programs. We are passionate leaders in many fields and believe that what we do makes a positive difference to our community. We are committed to creating a dynamic City that embraces new ideas, prioritises sustainability, and enhances quality of life. With the newly endorsed Community Plan responding to climate change, we will support a growing population and enhance the wellbeing and prosperity of our community.About the roleThe City of Unley is seeking a WHS Business Partner who wants to work at the intersection of leadership, work design and risk management.The role plays a key part in the ongoing development and maturity of the City of Unley’s Work Health and Safety Management System and Strategic WHS Plan, while also supporting broader organisational initiatives that enhance leadership capability and workplace wellbeing.As a WHS Business Partner, you will work closely with leaders across the organisation to help them:Understand and effectively manage systemic safety risksImprove work design and strengthen operational risk controlsBuild capability in hazard identification, risk management, and incident learningIdentify, assess and manage psychosocial hazards and workplace wellbeing risksTranslate WHS data and insights into practical, value‑adding operational improvementsTranslate WHS data and insights into practical operational improvements.You will also contribute to:Continuous improvement of Council’s Safety Management SystemWHS assurance activities including audits and investigationsStrategic WHS reporting to governance groupsSupporting leaders to implement actions arising from organisational initiatives such as THRIVE workplace wellbeing assessments.This role combines strategic thinking with practical engagement, working closely with leaders across Council’s diverse services.What makes this role differentAt the City of Unley we are building a safety system that focuses on how work actually happens, not just how it is documented.That means:Supporting leaders to address root causes of risk, not just symptomsImproving systems, decision clarity and operational capabilityStrengthening leadership confidence in managing safety and wellbeingIntegrating safety, wellbeing and organisational performanceThe WHS Business Partner plays a key role in helping leaders navigate these challenges and build sustainable safety practices across the organisation.About youYou are someone who enjoys working with leaders, solving complex problems and influencing positive change.You understand that effective safety management is about partnership, insight and practical solutions, not just compliance.You will bring:Demonstrated experience in WHS advisory or leadership rolesStrong knowledge of WHS legislation and risk management practicesExperience working with leaders to improve safety performance and organisational capabilityAbility to analyse WHS data and identify system-level improvementsExcellent relationship-building and communication skillsA collaborative approach and the ability to work across organisational boundariesExperience in local government or complex service environments will be highly regarded. Why work at the City of UnleyAt Unley, safety and wellbeing are part of how we support our people and deliver services to the community.You will join a team that is focused on:Building leadership capabilityImproving systems and work designSupporting practical, sustainable changeThis role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of safety in an organisation committed to continuous improvement.More informationAll enquiries and applications will remain private and confidential. Position enquires only can be directed to Alan Beaton, WHS Lead at abeaton@unley.sa.gov.auApplications must be submitted via the advertised link and should include a cover letter and resume expressing your skills, experience, and qualities you can bring to this position.Applications close 6.00pm Thursday 26 March 2026. Everyone Belongs at UnleyAs part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, this role is open to candidates seeking workplace flexibility. We invite candidates of all ages and culturally diverse backgrounds including people living with a disability and First Nations People to apply.We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier free recruitment process and a supportive workplace. Please refer to the Manager’s contact details above for any support you need along the way. #S-DNIPosition Description AUD Unley 5061

WHS Business Partner

  • Help shape the future of safety at the City of Unley
  • Contribute to a safer, stronger local government workforce
  • Permanent Full-time position

About us

The City of Unley is a vibrant and dynamic local council that provides a range of valued and diverse services to the surrounding community. Based on the city fringe, less than 4 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, the Council engages with their community across local business initiatives, community events, arts, environmental sustainability, community services and volunteering programs.

We are passionate leaders in many fields and believe that what we do makes a positive difference to our community.

We are committed to creating a dynamic City that embraces new ideas, prioritises sustainability, and enhances quality of life. With the newly endorsed Community Plan responding to climate change, we will support a growing population and enhance the wellbeing and prosperity of our community.

About the role

The City of Unley is seeking a WHS Business Partner who wants to work at the intersection of leadership, work design and risk management.

The role plays a key part in the ongoing development and maturity of the City of Unley’s Work Health and Safety Management System and Strategic WHS Plan, while also supporting broader organisational initiatives that enhance leadership capability and workplace wellbeing.

As a WHS Business Partner, you will work closely with leaders across the organisation to help them:

  • Understand and effectively manage systemic safety risks
  • Improve work design and strengthen operational risk controls
  • Build capability in hazard identification, risk management, and incident learning
  • Identify, assess and manage psychosocial hazards and workplace wellbeing risks
  • Translate WHS data and insights into practical, value‑adding operational improvements
  • Translate WHS data and insights into practical operational improvements.

You will also contribute to:

  • Continuous improvement of Council’s Safety Management System
  • WHS assurance activities including audits and investigations
  • Strategic WHS reporting to governance groups
  • Supporting leaders to implement actions arising from organisational initiatives such as THRIVE workplace wellbeing assessments.

This role combines strategic thinking with practical engagement, working closely with leaders across Council’s diverse services.

What makes this role different

At the City of Unley we are building a safety system that focuses on how work actually happens, not just how it is documented.

That means:

  • Supporting leaders to address root causes of risk, not just symptoms
  • Improving systems, decision clarity and operational capability
  • Strengthening leadership confidence in managing safety and wellbeing
  • Integrating safety, wellbeing and organisational performance

The WHS Business Partner plays a key role in helping leaders navigate these challenges and build sustainable safety practices across the organisation.

About you

You are someone who enjoys working with leaders, solving complex problems and influencing positive change.

You understand that effective safety management is about partnership, insight and practical solutions, not just compliance.

You will bring:

  • Demonstrated experience in WHS advisory or leadership roles
  • Strong knowledge of WHS legislation and risk management practices
  • Experience working with leaders to improve safety performance and organisational capability
  • Ability to analyse WHS data and identify system-level improvements
  • Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
  • A collaborative approach and the ability to work across organisational boundaries

Experience in local government or complex service environments will be highly regarded. 

Why work at the City of Unley

At Unley, safety and wellbeing are part of how we support our people and deliver services to the community.

You will join a team that is focused on:

  • Building leadership capability
  • Improving systems and work design
  • Supporting practical, sustainable change

This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of safety in an organisation committed to continuous improvement.

More information

All enquiries and applications will remain private and confidential. Position enquires only can be directed to Alan Beaton, WHS Lead at abeaton@unley.sa.gov.au

Applications must be submitted via the advertised link and should include a cover letter and resume expressing your skills, experience, and qualities you can bring to this position.

Applications close 6.00pm Thursday 26 March 2026. 

Everyone Belongs at Unley

As part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, this role is open to candidates seeking workplace flexibility. We invite candidates of all ages and culturally diverse backgrounds including people living with a disability and First Nations People to apply.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier free recruitment process and a supportive workplace. Please refer to the Manager’s contact details above for any support you need along the way.

 

#S-DNI

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