Health & Safety Business Partner

Drive safety culture in a leading food manufacturer. Partner with operations, embed best practice and make a real impact in a hands-on H&S role.Health & Safety Business Partner – Manufacturing
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\nMake Safety Part of Everyday Operations.\n
\nWe're looking for a proactive Health & Safety Business Partner to join a global food manufacturing organisation and play a key role in strengthening safety systems, supporting operational leaders and embedding a positive safety culture across our New Zealand operations, with future support extending into Australia.\n
\nThis is not a desk-based compliance role. We're looking for someone who enjoys working alongside Production, Operations and HR teams to create practical, fit-for-purpose safety solutions that make a genuine difference.\n
About the Role
Reporting directly to the HR Director , you'll partner with leaders across a 24/7 manufacturing operation of approximately 500 employees.\n
\nYou'll be responsible for driving continuous improvement across Health & Safety, injury management and wellbeing while helping establish robust systems, onboarding programmes and safe ways of working.\n
Your key responsibilities will include: \n
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• Partnering with Production, Operations and HR leaders to embed a proactive Health & Safety culture.
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• Developing and strengthening Health & Safety systems, procedures and working instructions.
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• Leading hazard identification, risk assessments and incident investigations.
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• Driving corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Supporting onboarding, inductions and production safety programmes.
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• Managing Health & Safety reporting and providing meaningful insights to leadership.
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• Coordinating injury management, ACC processes and return-to-work programmes.
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• Supporting supplier audits and ensuring compliance with New Zealand Health & Safety legislation.
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• Enhancing employee wellbeing initiatives and promoting a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
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• Providing future Health & Safety support to the Australian operation as the business continues to grow.
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About You \n
\nWe're looking for someone who enjoys partnering with people, coaching leaders and finding practical solutions that work in real manufacturing environments.\n
You'll ideally bring: \n
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• 3-5 years' experience in a Health & Safety Business Partner, Senior Health & Safety Advisor or similar position.
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• Strong experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, meat processing, dairy, beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing or another high-risk production environment.
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• Experience working within 24/7 manufacturing or multi-shift operations.
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• A solid understanding of New Zealand Health & Safety legislation.
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• Experience establishing or improving Health & Safety management systems.
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• Strong incident investigation and risk management experience.
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• Knowledge of ACC and injury management processes.
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• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
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• Confidence influencing leaders at all levels of the business.
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• Relevant Health & Safety qualifications.
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You'll stand out if you have experience in: \n

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• Food manufacturing or export food production.
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• Businesses with strong Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
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• ISO 45001 or integrated management systems.
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• Behaviour-based safety programmes.
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• Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing environments.
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• Multi-site manufacturing operations.
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Why You'll Love This Opportunity \n

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• Join a well-established international food manufacturer with exciting growth plans.
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• Take ownership of Health & Safety and help shape the future of the function.
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• Work closely with experienced operational and HR leaders who value collaboration.
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• Make a genuine impact on employee safety, wellbeing and organisational culture.
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• Enjoy a varied, hands-on role
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• Competitive salary of $120,000 - $130,000 ,
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• Future opportunity to support operations across New Zealand and Australia.
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Apply Now If you've built your career in manufacturing and believe Health & Safety is about influencing people—not just managing compliance—we'd love to hear from you.\n
\nWhether your background is in food manufacturing, dairy, meat processing, FMCG, beverage production or another high-risk manufacturing environment, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a business that genuinely values its people and its safety culture.\n
Apply now or contact Nikita for a confidential discussion.