WHS and Compliance Manager

_{21st October, 2026}

About your new company
An established medical research institute focused on tackling real-world health challenges through research that delivers tangible clinical outcomes. Its multidisciplinary research spans cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions, with a strong focus on translating scientific breakthroughs into new treatments that improve lives.

About your new role
This is an opportunity to take ownership of workplace health and safety across a specialist medical research environment, working with a diverse range of people to create a safer place to work.

Reporting to the Head of People + Culture, you'll work closely with the existing WHS Business Partner and teams across the institute to strengthen safety practices, manage risk and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Your role will cover a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and improving safety processes to meet the institute's evolving needs and activities.
• Identifying workplace risks and working with teams to implement effective controls.
• Advising researchers and managers on practical ways to manage safety within their areas.
• Overseeing specialist safety requirements involving chemicals, biological materials and radiation.
• Building staff awareness and capability through training, education and guidance.
• Managing incident investigations and following through on corrective actions to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Coordinating safety audits, facility accreditation and certification requirements.
• Working with stakeholders to improve safety practices and embed a positive safety culture.

About you
You'll be an experienced WHS professional who enjoys working with people, solving problems and making safety practical rather than just a matter of policies and procedures.

You'll be confident advising stakeholders at different levels, able to navigate complex risks and comfortable balancing regulatory requirements with the day-to-day realities of a busy research environment.

You'll also bring:

• At least five years' experience in a dedicated WHS role.
• Strong knowledge of WHS legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience developing and improving safety systems, procedures and risk controls.
• The ability to communicate technical information clearly and engage people in safe work practices.
• Experience in incident management, audits, compliance and risk assessment.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to influence and support change.
• A relevant WHS qualification, which is desirable.

Experience in medical research, laboratories, hospitals or other highly regulated environments is essential. You'll need an understanding of complex safety requirements and exposure to hazards such as chemicals, biological materials or radiation.

What's in it for you?

• $150,000–$160,000 + Super.
• NFP salary packaging benefits.
• Novated lease available.
• The chance to contribute to an institute focused on improving health outcomes through medical research.
• A varied role with the scope to influence safety practices across the institute.
• The opportunity to work collaboratively with knowledgeable professionals across research and operations.

If you feel that this is the role for you, 'APPLY NOW' or contact Julie Luszczynski via julieluszczynski@westrecruitment.com.au or 0483 945 776 for a confidential conversation.