Title:
Senior Manager - Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE)
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We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 29 countries.
KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.
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KBR in Australia
With over 65 years working on some of Australia’s largest and most complex projects, KBR has unmatched experience supporting the nation’s critical infrastructure, energy transition and national security priorities. KBR has around 2,000 employees throughout Australia, who are focused on delivering innovative technology and engineering solutions for a safer, more secure and sustainable future.
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Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Vice President - Australia Defence and Security Solutions (ADSS), the division HSSE Senior Manager role is a strategic and operational leader responsible for driving excellence in Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) performance across the division. This role ensures alignment with KBR’s Zero Harm culture, corporate HSSE standards, and client expectations, while proactively managing risk and fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and compliance.
The HSSE Senior Manager will lead a team of divisional and project based HSSE professionals within the ADSS division and will also have in-direct leadership responsibilities across the division to ensure that a strong and consistent Zero Harm culture is fostered and maintained across all staff.
The role also has a strong, and equal to the VP ADSS, functional relationship to the Defence and Technology Solutions International HSSE Director with the requirement to recognise the shared responsibilities to the KBR HSSE function and the local Australian divisional operations.
This is a permanent full-time position and can be based in either Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth.
Please note. Only candidates who are eligible to hold an AGSVA security clearance will be shortlisted.
Key Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the role will include, but is not limited to:
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the ADSS HSSE strategy aligned with KBR’s global standards and Defence client expectations.
- Lead HSSE integration across ADSS programs including MSP, CLCM, and Mission Systems.
- Represent the Division in business unit and corporate HSSE forums and contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives.
- Operational Oversight
- Oversee HSSE compliance across all ADSS projects, including subcontractor and vendor activities.
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Maintain and evolve HSSE systems, emergency response plans, and training programs.
- Team Management
- Lead and mentor a team of HSSE professionals including site managers, advisors, and coordinators.
- Ensure appropriate staffing, onboarding, and competency development across the HSSE function.
- Foster collaboration across division operating units and enabling functions.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary HSSE liaison for internal and external stakeholders including clients, regulators, and community partners.
- Support leadership engagement through visible participation in HSSE meetings, toolbox talks, and site walkdowns.
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Maintain dynamic risk registers and lead divisional risk assessments.
- Ensure compliance with WHS legislation, ISO standards, and Defence-specific HSSE protocols.
- Drive proactive risk mitigation and trend analysis across ADSS operations.
- Monitor leading and lagging indicators to identify trends and implement proactive measures.
- Support crisis management and business continuity planning.
Required Qualifications, Experience & Skills:
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in HSSE, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in HSSE leadership roles, preferably within Defence, Infrastructure, or Industrial sectors.
- Proven experience managing HSSE across complex, multi-site operations.
- Strong knowledge of ISO standards, Australian WHS legislation, and global HSSE frameworks.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with key senior stakeholders both internally and externally in a Defence/Defence Industry environment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance.
Desirable:
- Experience in Defence capability programs (e.g., MSP, CLCM, Mission Systems).
- Familiarity with KBR’s operational frameworks and ADSS strategic priorities.
- Ability to lead change, coach emerging leaders, and drive cultural transformation.
About You:
You are a seasoned HSSE leader with a proven track record of success in complex, multi-site environments - ideally within the Defence sector. You have a passion for safety leadership, a deep understanding of WHS and ISO frameworks and the ability to engage confidently at all organisational levels.
Benefits of KBR
- A workplace culture certified as a Great Place To Work
- Flexible working conditions
- Competitive salary (including annual reviews)
- Paid Parental leave
- Paid Reservist leave
- Income protection
- Corporate rewards
- Salary packaging/Novated leasing
- Discounted employee stock purchase plans
- Flu shots, skin checks and private health insurance discounts
- Career development: Online learning, mentorship and career pathways
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and elevate HSSE excellence across the Defence sector, we’d love to hear from you. Apply Now!
Please note. Shortlisting will take place as applications are received, therefore the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.
For shortlisted candidates, you may be invited to complete a short psychometric assessment as part of the recruitment process. These assessments help us gain a fair and objective understanding of your strengths and working style.
Notice to Third Parties/Recruitment Agencies: KBR Australia does not accept unsolicited resumes or any liability associated with fees or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms or third parties who have not been engaged directly on this job opportunity. Candidates interested in applying are welcome to submit their application online.
