Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Leader

Job Description Summary
GE Aerospace Systems Australia conducts repairs on both Civil and Military Aerospace components for the APAC region. This role is a vital member of the leadership team providing essential support and guidance to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the business.
Leading the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) performance, this role must drive a strong safety culture across multiple GE Aerospace aftermarket operational sites in Australia ensuring:
• Full compliance with applicable regulatory and company EHS requirements
• Integration of FLIGHT DECK / Lean principles into daily operations
• A safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors including injury management.

Job Description

Company Overview:

Working at GE Aerospace means you are bringing your unique perspective, innovative spirit, drive, and curiosity to a collaborative and diverse team working to advance aerospace for future generations. If you have ideas, we will listen. Join us and see your ideas take flight!

Site Overview:

GE Aerospace in Australia, has sites in Brisbane, Newcastle, Richmond, Bundamba, and Matraville. Since 2005, we've driven innovation and supported avionics, propeller, and power systems across a diverse range of aircraft platforms for our customers. At our Brisbane facility, you'll work with highly skilled technicians on cutting-edge technology for civilian and military aircraft. We are committed to developing early career talent through student-focused programs and fostering a culture of respect and community support. Be part of a team that values giving back and making a difference in the aerospace industry.

Role Overview:

In conjunction with the Operations Director, other relevant site leaders and global EHS personnel, document, implement, promote and review all aspects of Environmental Health and Safety legislation, programs, policies, and responsibilities for GE Aerospace Australia.

Essential Functions (Responsibilities)

1. EHS Operational Safety Leadership & Governance

• Lead and own the EHS strategy for Australia aftermarket sites and employees, aligning with GE Aerospace global EHS expectations, local regulations, and customer requirements.
• In conjunction with Operations Director, FLIGHT DECK leaders and global EHS community, document, implement, promote and review all aspects of EHS legislation, programs, policies and responsibilities for GE Aerospace operations in Australia.
• Embed FLIGHT DECK / Lean behaviors (e.g., daily management, problem solving, standard work, visual management) into EHS processes and routines.
• Provide strategic guidance to site leadership on EHS risk, regulatory changes, and program prioritization to measurably improve Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.

• Monitor and assure compliance with GE Aerospace global EHS policies and procedures and with Australian EHS legislation and standards, specifically for:
  Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations including health surveillance activities
  
  Shop-floor activities (assembly, disassembly, inspection, NDT, cleaning)
  
  Logistics, warehousing, shipping and receiving
  
  Contractor activities and projects
• Conduct and/or facilitate EHS risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSA) and Management of Change (MOC) assessments for new or modified processes, equipment, chemicals and layouts.
• Lead or support incident and near-miss investigations using structured problem-solving (e.g., 5-Why, A3), ensure robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and track effectiveness.
• Plan, coordinate and perform EHS inspections and audits of facilities, equipment and work practices to verify controls and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide technical EHS expertise on topics such as:
  Hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods
  
  Machine safety and guarding
  
  Confined spaces and working at heights
  
  Manual handling and ergonomics
  
  Noise, vibration and occupational hygiene
  
  Waste, emissions, spill prevention and emergency response.
  
  Psychosocial risks

3. FLIGHT DECK / Lean Integration

• Partner with FLIGHT DECK / Lean leaders and site managers to integrate EHS into daily management systems, including:
  • Tiered daily management, Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost (SQDC) boards and EHS metrics
  • Standard work development for critical tasks
  • Visual controls and 5S / workplace organization
  • Kaizen / continuous improvement events with EHS objectives
• Use FLIGHT DECK problem-solving tools to reduce EHS risk at source, and ensure EHS considerations are embedded into:
  • Layout design and cell design
  • Equipment introduction and capital projects
  • Material flow, logistics and staging.
• Support FLIGHT DECK capability building by coaching leaders and teams to identify hazards, apply root-cause problem solving, and sustain improved EHS practices.

4. EHS Management Systems & Metrics

• Utilise the EHS management system for all applicable sites (e.g., Brisbane, Newcastle, Richmond and others), ensuring effective use for:
  • Incident and near-miss reporting and investigation including non-work related injury management
  • Action tracking and closure
  • Inspections, audits and findings
  • Risk assessments and compliance obligations
• Monitor, analyze, and report leading and lagging EHS metrics to support site leaders, including:
  • Injury and illness metrics
  • Near-miss reporting rates
  • Audit and inspection completion
  • Training completion
  • Environmental performance indicators (waste, emissions, spills, etc.)
• Provide regular EHS performance reviews (e.g., monthly / quarterly) to leadership, highlighting trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.

5. Training, Culture and Engagement

• Develop and deliver EHS induction and role-specific training for employees, contractors and visitors, tailored to aftermarket operations.
• Promote and support well-being initiatives and other corporate health programs across sites to improve employee health and engagement.
• Coach and influence leaders and frontline employees to build a strong safety culture where hazards are identified and addressed early, and psychological safety supports open reporting.
• Coordinate and facilitate EHS Committee Meetings across sites, including scheduling, agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions; ensure worker participation and consultation are effective.
• Coach and mentor EHS subject matter experts and share knowledge.

6. Environmental Management

• Maintain site environmental management programs consistent with ISO principles, including:
  • Environmental aspects and impacts assessment
  • Waste management and waste audits
  • Chemical and spill management
  • Air, water and noise controls
• Lead or support environmental incident response and reporting, including liaison with regulatory authorities where required.
• Support implementation of GE Aerospace sustainability objectives at the site level, including resource efficiency and waste reduction initiatives.

7. External Stakeholders & Compliance

• Liaise with regulators, landlords, customers and external partners on EHS matters, ensuring robust compliance and strong external relationships.
• Lead or support regulatory inspections, customer audits and third-party assessments, ensure timely corrective action implementation.
• Ensure on-time resolution of EHS concerns or incidents, including communication and coordination with external organizations as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification/experience.
• Demonstrated experience delivering EHS programs, conducting risk assessments, audits and incident investigations in manufacturing, aerospace, defence, heavy industry, or similar operational environments (ideally including aftermarket / MRO). Strong experience in leading injury management strategy.
• Sound knowledge of current EHS legislation, standards, and codes of practice in Australia (and NZ as applicable), including environmental management, ISO standards, chemical and spill management, dangerous goods and waste auditing.
• Proven experience applying Lean / continuous improvement principles in an operational environment. Experience integrating EHS into daily management, problem solving and standard work is highly desirable.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to influence and negotiate with employees at all levels, contractors, and external stakeholders. Strong coaching and facilitation skills.
• Proven experience successfully implementing change initiatives and sustaining improvements across multiple sites or functions.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of clear procedures, reports, and training materials.
• Eligibility for "Confidential" level Australian Defence Security Clearance will be well regarded. Willingness to travel regularly between sites.
• Demonstrate GE Aerospace Behaviors with a focus on Respect for People, Continuous Improvement, and Customer Driven outcomes in all EHS activities.
• Act with unyielding integrity, ensuring ethical decision-making and transparent reporting.
• Role model proactive safety leadership, visible presence on the shop floor, and engagement with front-line teams.

Employee Benefits

• Strong focus on work-life balance, with Monday-Friday schedules in a brand-new facility
• Additional leave options available, including eligibility for an extra week of paid leave based on program criteria
• Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA), Career Breaks, Social/Civil Responsibility leave, and Recreational Leave supported in line with policy
• Comprehensive corporate health cover and insurance program
• Attractive corporate discount programs to popular retailers

At GE Aerospace, we have a relentless dedication to the future of safe and more sustainable flight and believe in our talented people to make it happen. Here, you will have the opportunity to work on really cool things with really smart and collaborative people. Together, we will mobilize a new era of growth in aerospace and defense. Where others stop, we accelerate.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No