Occupational Health and Safety Lead At ECMS , we’re proud to be a not-for-profit community organisation that’s all about making a difference in the lives of children and families. With 75 kindergartens and early learning services across Melbourne, our team of 1100 dedicated people work together to create joyful and enriching learning experiences with the safeguarding of children at the centre of everything we do. We are seeking a strategic and experienced Occupational Health and Safety Lead to join our Risk, Compliance, and OHS team. This pivotal leadership role combines technical expertise with the opportunity to influence at executive and board level, embedding a proactive, evidence-based safety culture across all ECMS services. You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of OHS systems, policies, and processes, supporting strong governance, compliance, and decision-making across the organisation. This is a unique opportunity to shape culture and create safe, sustainable environments for both staff and children, while building capability across the ECMS workforce. This is a full-time role, with part-time arrangements considered for the right candidate. Enjoy flexible working hours and work-from-home options. If you are hungry to learn, willing to roll up your sleeves, and driven to make a real impact, this is the position for you! What will you do? Champion a positive safety culture at all levels of the organisation, promoting shared responsibility and proactive engagement. Deliver the OHS strategy, aligning with ECMS’s 2030 vision and regulatory requirements. Lead the OHS Management System, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulation, and internal standards. Oversee incident management, hazard identification, investigations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. Provide timely, accurate OHS reporting and insights to the Executive Leadership Team, Board, regulators, and external stakeholders. Build capability across leaders and staff to embed safe systems of work, including coaching, training, and mentoring. Collaborate closely with our Injury Management function to align safety, prevention, and return-to-work strategies. More about you Significant experience designing and implementing OHS systems in complex service-based or multi-site organisations. Strong knowledge of OHS legislation, regulations, and Australian Standards, with the ability to interpret and apply them across a diverse workforce. Exceptional influencing, advisory, and communication skills, able to engage executives, boards, regulators, and staff with confidence and reliability. A data-driven mindset capable of identifying risks, monitoring trends, and implementing systemic improvements. A commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with ECMS values and purpose. Tertiary qualifications in OHS (or equivalent). Experience in the Early Childhood or not-for-profit sectors is highly desirable but not essential. Why ECMS? 50% childcare discount! 6 weeks paid parental leave. Discounts to hundreds of retail and recreational activities such as Coles, JB-Hi-Fi and Booking.com. A chance to work in a highly flexible and outcome-focused organisation. Flexible working hours and work from home opportunities. Opportunity to accelerate your career due to high level of responsibility, opportunities and a 2% professional development budget catered just to you. ECMS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. Successful applicants are required to adhere to our child safe practices and policies located on our website. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from diverse communities and backgrounds are encouraged. If you're passionate about early childhood education and care, and you're looking for a rewarding career with a supportive and inclusive organisation, we encourage you to apply today! Applications close 24th October 2025 . To be considered please submit a resume and cover letter.
