Safety and Quality Lead
Renewable Energy | Sydney-based | ~50% Site Travel | Permanent
What will this role do for your career?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a newly created role at a critical point in a fast-growing Australian renewable energy business. With one of the largest solar and battery storage build programs in the country in front of them, this organisation needs an experienced safety and quality professional to be their eyes and ears across construction – someone who can drive compliance, elevate standards, and make a genuine difference to how projects are delivered.
You will have real autonomy to shape how safety and quality is managed across a diverse and expanding portfolio. Your expertise will be trusted, your presence on site will be valued, and the impact of your work will be visible in every project that is delivered safely and to standard.
This is not a desk-based advisory role. It is a boots-on-the-ground position for someone who thrives on site, knows construction inside out, and has the credibility to influence contractors, coach engineers, and drive genuine improvement in a fast-paced environment.
About the role
Vinova are partnering with a well-established Australian renewable energy developer and operator to appoint a Safety and Quality Lead. This is a newly created position driven by significant growth in the business’s project delivery pipeline, spanning utility-scale solar and battery storage projects across New South Wales and Victoria.
Reporting into the WHS function – and deliberately structured outside the delivery team to preserve independence – you will be the principal safety and quality resource for the project delivery team. You will conduct audits and inspections across active construction sites, manage corrective actions, review contractor documentation, and provide hands-on coaching and training to project engineers.
The role is Sydney-based with approximately 50% of your time spent on site across regional NSW and VIC. Visits are typically multi-day, and the expectation is that you will spend quality time in the field.
Duties
- Conduct WHS and quality audits and inspections across active construction sites, including pre-audit preparation and close-out of all corrective actions
- Conduct compliance inspections at critical stages of the build – targeting high-risk activities such as crane operations, mobile plant and peak workforce periods
- Verify contractor installation against design requirements and relevant Australian Standards
- Review contractor WHS documentation including risk registers, SWMS, management plans, ITPs, training licences and plant records
- Conduct contractor prequalification risk assessments
- Manage and coordinate incident investigations
- Prepare and maintain high-quality audit, inspection and compliance reports
- Identify, assign and close out non-conformances and corrective actions with relevant stakeholders
- Deliver WHS and quality training to project engineers and internal stakeholders
- Coach project teams on quality and safety standards throughout the construction process
- Champion continuous improvement of WHS and quality management systems and frameworks
- Assist with risk assessments and lessons learned workshops
Skills and experience
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in site construction management or WHS and quality management within the construction industry
- Ability to review and assess contractor WHS documentation – SWMS, ITP reviews, risk registers, plant records
- Experience managing incident investigations and corrective action close-out
- Solid knowledge of Federal and State WHS legislation, regulations and Australian Standards
- Proven ability to influence and engage contractors, subcontractors and site teams
- Strong written communication skills – able to produce clear, professional audit and inspection reports
- Comfortable with an itinerant work pattern – approximately two weeks per month on site across regional locations
- Valid driver’s licence
- Experience in the renewable energy or energy construction sector – desirable but not essential
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety – desirable; company will support attainment if not currently held
- White Card, incident investigation certificate, LVR/CPR – desirable
Benefits
- Step into a greenfield role with real scope to shape how safety and quality is managed across a major project portfolio
- Work on one of the most exciting renewable energy build programs in the country right now
- High visibility and genuine autonomy – your expertise will be relied upon, not second-guessed
- Strong and growing pipeline of projects – long-term career opportunity with a scaling business
- All travel, accommodation and expenses covered; flexible approach to travel logistics
- Company support for further qualifications including Cert IV WHS
- Competitive salary package
Company and culture
Our client is a well-established, Australian-owned energy business delivering renewable generation, battery storage and district energy systems across the country. They have an existing operational portfolio and a substantial forward development pipeline, and are growing fast.
The business is collaborative, practical and values people who take ownership and get things done. Experienced professionals are trusted and given the autonomy to do their jobs well.
This is an organisation where your contribution is visible, your development is supported, and the work you do has a real impact on Australia’s energy transition.
If you are interested in this position, please apply via the link or contact Vinova for a confidential discussion.
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