Health and Safety Business Partner- Christchurch  

Te tūnga | The role 

We are looking for a Health and Safety Business Partner to provide business partnering services and advice to the business on all areas relating to:  

• Health and Safety leadership and culture: partnering with people leaders and teams to build capacity, drive engagement and promote awareness.  

• Health and Safety general obligations: including laboratory and field work that relates to biological, pathogen containment and hazardous substances through risk awareness, detailed control and assurance plans.  

• Support the development of competency training: through active participation ensuring complete awareness of risk, responsibilities, and accountability. 

• Support the management, monitoring of our critical risks and the verification of our critical controls  

This role is based at our Christchurch Science Centre. We welcome applications from candidates currently living in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) or those who are willing to relocate to the region. 

Kia angitu koe | About you  

To be successful in this role, you will have the following: 

• A relevant tertiary qualification with a minimum of 5-7 years' experience in a similar role 

• Experience working in a multi-faceted environment with high work tempo and the ability to problem solve  

• Extensive demonstrated experience in HSW with a NEBOSH International General Certification being desirable or level 6 Qualification in the health and safety or related field  

• ICAM or equivalent training with proven investigation skills 

• Certificate in adult education and training desirable and/or equivalent experience in developing and conducting training and presentations 

• Qualification or experience and skills in assurance, auditing reporting techniques 

• Excellent communication skills that support a high level of engagement and collaboration  

Ngā painga | The benefits 

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments. 

• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) 

• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years 

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community. 

• Free annual flu vaccinations 

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit 

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts. 

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service. 

Mō mātou | About Us 

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow. 

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we’re tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all. 

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification. 

Tono mai | Apply Now 

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori. 

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with [email protected] 

Applications close 8am on Thursday 8 October 2026 

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.  

We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed.  

Health, Safety and Wellbeing 

At PHF Science, the health, safety and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks, mandatory vaccinations may include Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and Polio.  In some roles you may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Science’s vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions. 

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application. 

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.