Group Health and Safety Manager
K G Richardson Ltd is a locally owned and operated business providing financial, people, and safety expertise to a group of vertically integrated companies employing approximate 450 people.
At K G Richardson Ltd, we are committed to being industry leaders while recognising and caring for the individuals that make up our team.
We have a rare and rewarding opportunity for a Health & Safety Manager to step into an active role supporting rapid growth, diverse projects, and an expanding workforce across the timber, transport, and commercial property sectors.
Health & Safety here is practical, lived, and embedded into daily operations. We are looking for a doer, someone who will roll up their sleeves, walk the floor, connect with people, and bring Health & Safety to life in the operational environments. Compliance is vital, but so too is working flexibly in the real-world “grey areas”.
This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact across multiple businesses and industries. You will spend time on-site engaging with teams, identifying risks, and influencing positive change, while also managing critical behind-the-scenes work such as reporting, audits, compliance checks, and data insights. This is a full-time role (45 hours, Monday to Friday) based at our head office in Kennington, Invercargill. On-site presence is essential.
Key responsibilities will include:
· Develop, implement, and maintain health and safety policies and procedures across the Group.
· Lead audits and investigations to ensure best practice.
· Translate legislation and policy into practical, workable processes.
· Conduct inspections and risk assessments to identify and manage hazards.
· Drive continuous improvement across multiple sites and operations.
· Provide training, guidance, and support to employees at all levels.
· To grow capability and ownership to ensure teams own Health & Safety in their areas
· Report on Health & Safety performance, providing insights and recommendations to senior management and the Board.
· Act as the primary contact for regulatory bodies and external auditors.
· Promote and foster a positive safety culture throughout the organisation.
Our ideal candidate will have:
· A relevant Health & Safety qualification.
· Proven leadership experience, ideally in manufacturing or construction.
· Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislation and best practices.
· The ability to identify and manage critical high risks in high-hazard environments
· Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis.
· Excellent communication skills.
· Strong problem-solving abilities with resilience and creativity under pressure.
· The ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing demands.
Why join the K G Richardson team?
· Work alongside leaders who respect and champion Health & Safety initiatives.
· Enjoy a supportive culture that values integrity, collaboration, and excellence.
· We offer excellent remuneration, and a loyalty program where long service is rewarded and celebrated.
· Annual Christmas functions for employees and their families.
· Exclusive scholarship program available for employees’ children and grandchildren.
· Secure employment with the opportunity to lead meaningful changes and see the impact of your work every day.
The successful candidate will be supported by a loyal and passionate leadership team and a workforce that genuinely values Health & Safety.
Please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this position. We would also like to hear your perspective on Health & Safety – what excites you about it, and how you can contribute to our team.
For any questions, contact Jemma Cournane at jemma.cournane@kgr.net.nz
Applications must be submitted online. Only candidates currently residing in, and eligible to work in, New Zealand will be considered.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
