Occupational Heath and Safety Lead bei Early Childhood Management Services

Occupational Health and SafetyLead

At ECMS, we’re proud to be anot-for-profit community organisation that’s all about making a difference inthe lives of children and families. With 75 kindergartens and early learningservices across Melbourne, our team of 1100+ dedicated people work together tocreate joyful and enriching learning experiences with the safeguarding ofchildren 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 OHSteam. This pivotal leadership role combines technical expertise with theopportunity to influence at executive and board level, embedding a proactive,evidence-based safety culture across all ECMS services.

You will lead the development, implementation, andcontinuous improvement of OHS systems, policies, and processes, supportingstrong governance, compliance, and decision-making across the organisation.This is a unique opportunity to shape culture and create safe, sustainableenvironments for both staff and children, while building capability across theECMS workforce.

 This is a full-time role, with part-time arrangementsconsidered for the right candidate. Enjoy flexible working hours andwork-from-home options. If you are hungry to learn, willing to roll up yoursleeves, 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.

ECMSis committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. Successfulapplicants are required to adhere to our child safe practices and policieslocated on our website. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeoples and people from diverse communities and backgrounds are encouraged. 

Ifyou're passionate about early childhood education and care, and you're lookingfor a rewarding career with a supportive and inclusive organisation, weencourage you to apply today! Applications close 24th October2025. To be considered please submit a resume and cover letter.