Company Description:
At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents. 
About the role:
Summerset is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Head of Health, Safety & Wellbeing to drive a culture where safety is not just a priority—but a way of life.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing our HSW strategy across two high-risk operational areas:
- Construction Operations – large-scale development projects across NZ
- Village Operations – clinical environments supporting aged care and retirement living
You’ll be instrumental in embedding safety into the DNA of our organisation—partnering with senior leaders and executives to ensure safety leadership is visible, authentic, and effective.
Your day-to-day will include:
- Lead the development and execution of a robust HSW strategy aligned with Summerset’s values and operational goals.
- Champion a behavioural shift across the organisation, making safety top-of-mind for all employees.
- Coach and empower leaders to become safety leaders—driving accountability and proactive risk management.
- Foster a culture of safety ownership at all levels, from frontline teams to the boardroom.
- Oversee critical risk management frameworks including Bowtie methodology.
- Roll up your sleeves and get involved in operational HSW tasks when needed.
- Provide strategic HSW advice to senior leaders and executive members.
- Ensure compliance and continuous improvement across both clinical and construction environments.
About You
You’re a hands-on HSW leader, experienced in driving safety culture in complex environments—ideally across construction and clinical operations. You know how to influence behaviour, coach leaders into safety champions, and embed safety into everyday thinking.
You’ll also bring:
- 15+ years’ experience in Health, Safety & Wellbeing, ideally across both clinical and construction settings.
- Proven success in driving cultural change and embedding safety into organisational behaviours.
- Deep expertise in critical risk management, Bowtie analysis, and strategic HSW planning.
- A collaborative, hands-on approach—you’re just as comfortable in high-level strategy meetings as you are on-site.
- Strong influencing skills and the ability to engage with senior stakeholders and executive leadership.
Why Summerset:
At Summerset, we believe diversity strengthens our team and enriches the care we provide. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life—including those with transferable skills from other industries. You may not tick all the requirements, and that’s okay; we value what you bring to the table and look at the whole individual. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
Equal opportunity is at the heart of how we recruit, and we encourage you to bring your unique perspective and passion to our team.
Summerset's known for its excellent benefits and strong sense of values around care, teamwork and drive for excellence. With some of the best benefits in the sector, some of these include:
- Flexible working hours including two work from home days
- Free Southern Cross health insurance (covering up to 75% of charges for GPs, dentists, physios and more)
- Professional development and career progression opportunities tailored to you
- Birthday Leave
Next Steps:  Applications for this role will close on the  24th of November. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!