Head of Safety & Wellbeing

At David Jones, we are creating a place where people can thrive. As one of Australia's most iconic retailers, we bring together heritage, innovation and a shared ambition to inspire Like No Other. Over the last few years, the business has undergone significant transformation through the delivery of Vision 25, and we are now focused on the next phase of our evolution through Inspire 30.

Our People & Culture function is central to that — helping shape the experiences, leadership capability, workplace strategy and operating model that enable our people and business to evolve, adapt and thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Safety & Wellbeing specialist and strong people leader to join a fast-paced, dynamic team at a pivotal time. If you are energised by complexity, commercially minded and passionate about leading a high-performing safety team, this is a role where you can make a real impact.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Head of Safety & Wellbeing is a critical leadership role responsible for optimising and embedding an enterprise-wide safety and wellbeing strategy.

You will lead a high-performing team and partner with senior leaders across retail, supply chain, and corporate functions to create environments where safety is integral, wellbeing is prioritised, and our people can perform at their best.

This role sits at the intersection of culture, leadership and operational excellence—supporting David Jones’ broader strategic agenda and aspiration to build a truly thriving workplace

What your day looks like

• Evolve the strategic vision for Safety & Wellbeing, aligning to our broader transformation and cultural aspirations

• Lead, coach and inspire a team of Safety and injury management specialists.

• Embed a proactive safety culture across stores, fulfilment centres and support centre environments

• Leverage data & insights to drive continuous improvement, identify risks and shape decision-making

• Influence senior leaders to integrate safety and wellbeing into how work gets done

• Ensure compliance excellence, maintaining robust frameworks aligned with national legislation and best practice

• Champion a holistic wellbeing approach, spanning physical, psychosocial and organisational health

• Drive innovation, exploring new ways (including digital and AI-enabled solutions) to enhance safety outcomes at scale

What you’ll need to Thrive

• Proven executive leadership experience in WHS within complex, multi-site environments (retail, supply chain or similar)

• A strategic thinker who can translate vision into practical, scalable outcomes

• Strong experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading through transformation

• A data-led mindset, with the ability to translate insights into meaningful action

• Deep understanding of WHS legislation, governance and compliance frameworks (including self-insurance where relevant)

• A collaborative, visible leader who builds capability, accountability and culture

• Passion for wellbeing innovation and creating environments where people can thrive

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in WHS or a related discipline

Why David Jones

Shape what’s next - Be part of a bold transformation as we redefine the future of retail and reimagine the employee experience at David Jones.

Lead with impact - This is a highly visible leadership role where you’ll influence culture, strategy and outcomes across a national footprint.

Work with purpose - Create safer, healthier workplaces for thousands of team members and contribute to meaningful, long-term change.

Experience ‘Like No Other’

• Unique opportunity to be part of a highly engaged, successful team, focused on the transformation of an iconic Australian brand
• A competitive remuneration package including performance-based incentives
• Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
• Parental leave policy of 18-weeks paid leave for the primary carer, and 3-weeks paid leave for the supporting partner
• Generous employee discounts across David Jones and access to partner benefits
• An additional day of leave for your birthday along with time to support charitable work
• Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
• Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices, driving change in the retail landscape
• Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

Since 1838, David Jones has been synonymous with innovation, inspiration and premium retail in Australia. Today, our vision to inspire Like No Other continues to shape the future of our business, and our people are at the heart of that journey.

David Jones is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to let us know at the time of application so we can support you through the recruitment process.