Workforce, Safety, and Policy Manager

Lead meaningful change in a values-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives. As our Workforce, Safety, and Policy Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a safe, supportive, and high-performing workplace—ensuring our people, systems, and practices enable the best possible outcomes for those we serve. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic influence with hands-on impact in the mental health and community sector.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Workforce, Safety, and Policy Manager to join our team in Christchurch. Reporting to the CEO, this role is responsible for leading workforce planning, health and safety systems, and organisational policy development across the Trust.

This is a dynamic, multi-faceted role where you’ll partner with leaders and staff to strengthen organisational capability, ensure compliance, and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture aligned with our values of Hope, Choice, Openness, Respect, and Responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Workforce Management: Lead HR strategy including recruitment, retention, performance management, and staff development. Provide expert HR advice and oversee payroll, induction, and exit processes.
• Health & Safety: Act as Health and Safety Officer, maintaining and improving systems to ensure compliance and a proactive safety culture. Lead incident management and training.
• Policy & Compliance: Develop, review, and implement policies aligned with legislation and sector best practice. Ensure consistency across the organisation.
• Organisational Leadership: Contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and continuous improvement. Support a culture of wellbeing, safety, and learning.

About You

You are a confident and collaborative professional with a strong grounding in HR, health and safety, and organisational policy. You bring:

• At least 5 years’ experience in HR, H&S, or policy roles
• Sound knowledge of NZ employment law and the Health and Safety at Work Act
• Excellent communication and policy writing skills
• The ability to build trusted relationships across diverse teams
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and sound professional judgement

Experience in the NGO, health, or social services sector is highly regarded.