Directorate: Corporate & Community
Team: Safety & Risk
Employment Status: Permanent, full-time
Employment Arrangement: 35 hours per week with access to Council’s Agile Work Policy
Salary Range:
- Base Salary: From $122,941.00 (Grade 22, Step 1) per annum
- Plus: 12% superannuation
- Total Package: $137,693.92
The successful candidate will have access to step increases for the grade based on competency assessment and tenure within this position.
About Strathfield Council
Strathfield Council is a dynamic, medium-sized Council located in Sydney’s Inner West. Covering an area of approximately 14 square kilometres, we proudly serve a vibrant and growing community of around 46,000 residents, with population projections set to exceed 60,000 by 2041.
We are committed to delivering high-quality services, driving community initiatives, and building a thriving, sustainable future for our residents.
The Opportunity
Strathfield Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Safety and Risk Officer to lead our organisation’s approach to safety, wellbeing, and risk management. This pivotal role ensures our people, operations, and community are supported by strong risk frameworks, a proactive safety culture, and effective compliance with workplace, health and safety (WHS) legislation.
As the central point of contact for all risk management, workplace health and safety (WHS), injury management, rehabilitation, and insurance matters, you will provide expert guidance, strategic oversight, and operational leadership across Council. You will champion safe work practices, deliver credible and people‑focused WHS services, and embed systems that contribute to a secure, healthy, and productive workplace.
If you have excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to analyse data and translate insights into clear, well‑written reports, then this is the role for you.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact, leading initiatives that strengthen organisational resilience and support safer outcomes for both our staff and community.
Essential Requirements
- A tertiary qualification or relevant qualification in the same or related discipline with extensive experience in a comparable role.
- Proven experience in assessing workplace environments, identifying hazards, undertaking risk assessments, and providing and implementing recommendations. This includes at both indoor and outdoor environments and working with contractor agencies.
- Superior knowledge of interpreting and applying WHS and General Insurance legislation, workers compensation, return to work management plans and associated processes.
- Proven management of insurance claims, and reduction in insurance premiums and/or other similar programs.
- Ability to develop and embed Risk and WHS programs, practices, and initiatives at Council with a positive attitude. This includes working autonomously in the development stage but also as a team player in the implementation and ongoing improvement phase.
- High-level attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and an understanding on how to effectively manage competing deadlines and priorities. A demonstrated history of being accountable and responsible in all work that is undertaken.
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) including the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of Council and with external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to act with tact and discretion when dealing with confidential information, always operating with a high degree of professionalism.
- Well-developed problem-solving skills and a commitment to providing the best level of service to all stakeholders and employees.
- A demonstrated commitment to building positive workplace culture and championing health and safe workplaces. Actively partnering with other People and Culture team members to achieve related outcomes.
Desirable
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety or similar.
- Experience in Local Government environment.
Why Work With Us
At Strathfield Council, you will enjoy a supportive workplace that values balance, growth, and wellbeing. Benefits include:
- Flexible work arrangements through our Agile Work Policy
- 35-hour working week with options for a compressed four-day week
- Generous learning and development opportunities
- Complimentary Employee Assistance Program
- Access to the Fitness Passport Program
- Health & Wellbeing Reimbursement Program
- Regular staff engagement events, including quarterly Roadshow lunches.
Click here for more details about our staff benefits and Click here to view Council’s Agile Work Policy.
Position Description
Click here to review the full position description for this role.
How to Apply
To submit your application online:
- Complete your details and answer the application questions.
- Attach the following documents in PDF format:
- Cover letter addressing the selection criteria
- Current resume
For questions about the role, please contact our People & Culture team at peopleandculture@strathfield.nsw.gov.au .
Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 February 2026.