Director and Chief Safety Engineer

• Facilitate technical leadership to improve workplace safety outcomes across Queensland.
• Shape technical advice and regulatory responses to high-risk industries and emerging technologies
• Strengthen capability across a specialist engineering function

Office of Industrial Relations




The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) is a division of the Queensland Government's Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. OIR provides regulatory and professional advisory services that support healthy, safe, fair and productive workplaces and communities across Queensland. Its work spans workplace health and safety, electrical safety, workers' compensation and industrial relations, in partnership with government, industry and the community.




The Opportunity




OIR is seeking an experienced leader to join the Specialist and Regulatory Services directorate as Director and Chief Safety Engineer. The role leads the Engineering Services unit, a multidisciplinary team with expertise across construction, mechanical, civil, electrical and electronic systems engineering.




Underpinned by a strong culture of collaboration, professional support and knowledge sharing, the unit provides technical advice, training, auditing support and regulatory support in relation to high-risk plant design applications, major amusement parks, plant and construction safety, incident investigations and emerging technologies.




Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will provide expert advice to Ministers, senior government officials, executives, industry and other stakeholders, contributing to legislation, policy, standards and regulatory practice.




This is a role of substantial technical and community significance, combining engineering authority, people leadership and the opportunity to improve safety outcomes across Queensland.




Key Responsibilities




You will lead, coordinate and monitor the Engineering Services unit, setting priorities, managing competing demands and ensuring its people and resources are aligned with OIR's strategic objectives.




Expert technical advice will be provided on complex occupational safety and engineering matters. You will oversee technical aspects of incident investigations involving structural, material, electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, prepare expert reports and appear as an expert witness where required within your area of expertise.




You will oversee the regulatory requirements for the design registration of high-risk plant and licensing of major amusement parks, assess applications against relevant technical standards and contribute to licensing and incident notification reviews. You will also develop prevention, enforcement and intervention strategies in response to workplace risks and emerging technologies.




The role will represent OIR and Work Health and Safety Queensland at government, industry, professional and standards-development forums. You will build effective relationships with manufacturers, contractors, professional engineering bodies, regulatory organisations and internal stakeholders including the Electrical Safety Office.




About You




You are an experienced engineering leader with a strong record of applying technical expertise to improve safety outcomes across a complex, regulated or safety-critical environment. Your experience may have been gained within government, regulatory services, engineering consultancy, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing or another technically governed industry.




You will hold a tertiary qualification in mechanical, civil, structural engineering or a closely related discipline and be registered, or eligible for registration, as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland. You will be able to interpret technical evidence, research, policy, legislation and standards and translate them into practical strategies and clear advice.




Your experience will include leading and developing high-performing professional or technical teams, managing competing priorities and operating effectively at both strategic and operational levels. Highly developed communication skills are essential, including the ability to explain complex matters to senior public officials, courts, industry leaders, professional peers and other stakeholders.




Your leadership style is collaborative, approachable and consultative. You build trust, encourage contribution and create a positive culture in which experienced professionals can perform at their best. A working knowledge of Queensland workplace health and safety legislation and regulatory processes will be highly regarded.




Why Join the Office of Industrial Relations




This is a senior leadership opportunity to influence the technical and regulatory foundations that support workplace safety across Queensland. You will join an established and supportive engineering team and contribute to work with a clear public purpose and direct community impact.




The team is committed to knowledge sharing, professional development and delivering high-qulaity outcomes through collective effort.




The position is based in Fortitude Valley and offers flexible working arrangements, generally comprising three days in the office and two days working from home.




To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/52rnz9d6




Please click 'Apply Now' and submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, motivation and suitability for the role. For a confidential discussion, please contact Neil McEwan on 0403 597 905.




Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.




Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.




Applications close on 13th November 2026.