Health and safety business partner

About the role (permanent, part-time - 28 hours per week) The Mackenzie District Council has a fantastic opportunity for a Health and Safety Business Partner to join our team. Bring your experience and expertise to a role that looks after our people. Our H&S Business Partner needs to take control of legislative compliance, continuously work on improving health and safety management systems, partner with senior leadership and business unit managers to prevent harm and reduce risk, and provide ongoing education in the H&S space. We want all those working with MDC, both employees and contractors, to go home safe at the end of the day, so this role is vital in making sure this happens. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Provide expert advice on health and safety issues and best practice * Attend executive meetings where advice from a H&S subject matter expert is required * Drive the development of health and safety management systems, processes, and standard operating procedures * Ensure that risk assessments are undertaken across all activities * Provide regular reporting of incidents, hazards, etc. to the Executive team and Council's Audit and Risk * Committee, and undertake investigations when necessary (acting on and escalating non-compliance where appropriate) About you To be successful in this role, you will have at least three years' practical experience in a health and safety role, a relevant tertiary qualification in health and safety, and demonstrated knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You will also have: * Experience in the development and implementation of health and safety management systems * ICAM certified and/or working knowledge of ISO45001 - preferred but not essential * Confidence and ability to build trusting relationships with managers and employees, and conduct training when necessary * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, displaying clarity, fluency, and conciseness * Ability to work independently and collaboratively What we can offer you: * A competitive salary to be discussed with the successful candidate * Annual salary review and regular performance reviews to promote progression in your role * A range of staff benefits including health insurance, professional memberships, and retail discounts, including discounted fuel * A supportive team and manager that values both autonomy and teamwork to achieve a shared vision About Mackenzie District Council At Mackenzie District Council, we work together as a team to deliver the best outcomes for our district. This could be the first step on a journey that sees you living and working in this iconic part of New Zealand. With only a 45-minute drive from Timaru, you get the best of both worlds - experience the seaside in the city and the mountains in the mighty Mackenzie. As part of Team Mack, we aim to give superb service to our customers, working together as a team, building a culture where we can all contribute our ideas and focus on outcomes. How to apply If some or all of this role aligns with you, please click 'apply' and follow the prompts. If you would like a copy of the position description or more information about the role, contact Nicole Colvill, HR and Health and Safety Coordinator, for a confidential chat on 027 217 6858 or nicole.colvill@mackenzie.govt.nz Please note that the full-time equivalent salary for this role is $85,000 to $95,000, which will be pro-rata to 28 hours per week. Whilst this role is part-time, the days and hours of work can be negotiated with the successful candidate. Applications close on Monday,11 May 2026. Based in Fairlie, South Canterbury.