Manager Systems Assessment

Exciting Opportunity for a safety-focused leader to join our newly created Systems Assessment stream, the team will be responsible for delivering risk-based safety oversight across the heavy vehicle industry.

In this role, you will build and lead a team that applies risk intelligence and data-driven methodologies to conduct targeted, on-the-ground inspections and assessments. The Systems Assessment team will play a critical role in improving industry safety outcomes by ensuring heavy vehicle operators and off-road parties maintain effective Safety Management Systems.

Working in close partnership with two investigations teams, you and your team will deliver safety management systems assessments, field inspections, and expert advisory support that contribute to regulatory investigations and enforcement outcomes.

This role can be based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Parramatta. 

About the role

Key responsibilities of this role are:

• Establish, Design and deliver a national field Safety Systems Assessment (SMS) Program in line with risk intelligence
• Develop a risk-based field Systems Assessment Program that will assess the effectiveness of systems put in place by operators and off-road parties that are required to adhere to the HVNL’s safety and regulatory risk controls. Risk controls will include NHVR’s safety and regulatory related standards, business rules, procedures and associated documented processes and requirements.
• Lead a geographically dispersed team, providing mentoring, development and direction
• Coordinate targeted safety systems assessments across jurisdictions and industries
• Ensure inspections and assessments align with HVNL safety obligations and regulatory controls
• Provide strategic input to support investigations and broader compliance efforts
• Collaborate with technical and legal teams to address systemic safety risks
• Promote continuous improvement in SMS assurance, field assessments, and compliance tools
• Maintain a high-performing team culture aligned to NHVR’s values and regulatory approach

About You

• Proven experience in field-based SMS assessments or safety assurance
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing dispersed and technical teams
• Knowledge of regulatory risk controls, SMS frameworks and WHS legislation
• Ability to translate safety assessment findings into actionable outcomes
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills
• Experience delivering complex operational programs in regulated environments
• High level of initiative, sound judgement and ethical regulatory decision-making
• Tertiary qualifications or industry experience in disciplines related to safety management systems, safety performance, human factors and/or statistical analysis

 Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.

We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

We offer

• A competitive salary package
• Hybrid working environment – up to2 days from home.
• Superannuation co-contribution scheme
• Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
• Salary packaging options including novated lease.
• Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
• Ongoing training and professional development support
• Professional membership

 Application Process

Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.

Applications close: 5.00pm, 30 March 2026 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).

Successful applicants will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks including a national police and work rights check.

Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experience and abilities.