Safety Advisor
Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise and property investment and development. We service South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, working with customers to streamline their supply chains. Our culture is hands-on, safety focused and encourages continuous improvement.
Our diverse portfolio means there is always something on the go and as a business we are collaborative, fast-paced and always open.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Safety Advisor to join our People & Safety team on a permanent full-time basis in our award-winning Head Office in beautiful Port Chalmers. You’ll be providing practical safety advice, support and training across our business which includes container and bulk operations to cruise ships and marine activity, meaning no two days are the same.
Reporting to the Safety Manager, you’ll support our wider team to focus on safe work practices which keep our people safe. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing day-to-day safety advice and guidance to managers, supervisors and people, including use of our Safety Management System
- Moderating incident reports and leading investigations, identifying root causes and ensuring corrective actions are followed through
- Coaching and participating in our Critical Risk Management and Critical Control assurance programmes
- Undertaking inspections, audits and Visible Safety Leadership (VSL) activities
- Supporting safe systems of work for high-risk activities, including JSAs and Permit to Work
- Developing and delivering safety training and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Driving continuous improvement projects aligned with company priorities
This is a hands-on role, with plenty of time out on site engaging with our teams where the work happens.
About you
You’ll be a credible, approachable safety professional who leads by example and isn’t afraid to speak up. You’ll build strong relationships with a diverse mix of people across the Port - from marine crews, machinery operators and maintenance teams through to office-based teams and the Leadership Team, using a coaching style to influence a safety culture of accountability.
To be successful in this position you will also:
· Have experience in a health and safety advisory or generalist role, ideally in a high-risk or industrial environment
· Have practical safety investigation experience (ICAM or equivalent training desirable)
· Have strong communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
· Bring sound judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach
· Be able to work autonomously and stay calm under pressure
· Ideally hold the NZ Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 4), NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management (Level 6) or equivalent, and/or Unit Standard 4098
What’s in it for you?
In return, you can look forward to working for a successful company which prides itself on continually striving to improve performance; this enables our people to contribute in a way that makes a difference, and for us to appropriately reward our people for their contributions.
You will also be entitled to comprehensive health insurance cover for you, your partner, and any dependent children, as well as a 7% employer superannuation contribution.
We also offer a raft of other benefits including but not limited to, free onsite parking, amazing Otago Harbour views from your desk, fruit boxes delivered weekly to our break areas, Nespresso machines onsite for your daily coffee fix, full uniform provided, and various wellness initiatives throughout the year.
A contribution towards relocation costs to Dunedin is also on offer for our successful candidate if you are relocating from outside of Dunedin.
Heads up:
· This is typically a Monday to Friday position, but as the Port operates 24/7, some flexibility is occasionally required
· A full clean NZ Drivers licence is essential
· You must be able to pass Ministry of Justice, ACC checks and a medical which includes a drug and alcohol test as part of our recruitment process
· We complete random drug and alcohol testing
How do I apply?
If you have any questions about the role, please contact us at people@portotago.co.nz. Or if you’re ready to apply, applications need to be submitted online via our Port Otago Careers page www.portotago.co.nz/careers. Please ensure that you include a cover letter and a copy of your up-to-date CV along with your application. If you’re based outside of Dunedin, please tell us in your cover letter what’s drawing you to Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Applications close: 5pm, Monday 2 November 2026. Don’t delay applying as we will be shortlisting as applications come through.
