Safety Operations Manager

Job Status: Full Time, Ongoing

Salary: Base salary of $139,738 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Applications Close: Monday 1^st June 2026 at 11:55pm

Role Enquires: recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com 

Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions

An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected.

THE HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2026, our ambition is to be Everyone’s House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care):

• Everyone feels welcome here.
• We better understand and connect with the community.
• We are future ready.
• We lead and inspire positive change.
   

For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website.

YOUR NEW ROLE

The Safety Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in fostering a proactive, collaborative, and high-performing safety culture across the organisation. Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Safety Team, this role drives continuous improvement initiatives, strengthens risk management practices and ensures the effective implementation of the Safety Management System to achieve organisational safety objectives and key performance indicators. 

Working closely with the Head of Safety and a broad range of internal stakeholders, the Safety Operations Manager identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes and embed sustainable safety improvements across the business. As a champion for positive safety culture, the role leads and supports the team to deliver consistent, responsive and high-quality safety services, while promoting engagement, accountability and shared responsibility for workplace safety at every level of the organisation.

Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

To be successful in this role you will need:

• Extensive WHS leadership experience with tertiary qualifications in health/safety, including proven success delivering risk and safety strategies within a complex/high-visitation or multi-site environment. 
• Strong expertise in developing, implementing and maintaining Safety Management Systems (SMS), contractor safety programs, WHS audits and risk assurance processes. 
• Demonstrated capability in incident reporting and investigations, hazard/risk analysis and interpreting safety data to support evidence-based decision making and compliance outcomes. 
• Sound knowledge of WHS legislation, government policies and regulatory requirements, particularly within entertainment venues or similarly complex operational settings. 
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including the ability to train, influence, negotiate and present safety performance outcomes to executives and external stakeholders. 
• Proven operational and financial management capability, with strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven approach to workplace safety improvement and a valid Working with Children Check Clearance.

THE PERKS

The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

• 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
• 5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
• Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
• Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
• Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
• Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
• Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
• Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all.
• Complimentary tickets to shows.
• And many more!

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us as recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com to discuss. Even if you think you’d be a great fit, but don’t necessarily tick every box in the role description, please get in touch.

We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.

NEED TO WORK FLEXIBLY?

We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best.

SOUND LIKE YOU? APPLY NOW

Please submit your cover letter and CV via our online portal. In addition you will be prompted to answer the two following targeted questions in the online application platform. 
Please note 2000 character limit.

1. Please outline your experience in managing a safety team and improving safety systems in a complex work environment.
   
    
2. Please provide an example of a significant safety improvement that you have led. What did you do and what was the outcome?
   
    

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment. The assessment seeks information only relevant to performing the inherent requirements of the job, it remains strictly confidential and applicants will be informed of the result.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan.

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.