Site Health & Safety Coordinators (x2) – Independent Contractors
March 2027 – August 2028 | Major dairy processing project, South Canterbury
GEA is one of the world's largest suppliers of process technology to the food, dairy and beverage industries. We design and build the plants that turn New Zealand milk into products shipped around the world - and we're about to start one of our most significant construction projects yet.
We are seeking two experienced Site Health & Safety Coordinators to be engaged on a contract basis for a major greenfield dairy processing build located approximately 10 minutes from Waimate in South Canterbury. The engagement runs from March 2027 through to August 2028, covering the full construction and commissioning phases.
Why this engagement is worth your time
This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role with a strong field presence. You won't be advising from the sidelines - you'll be out with the crews, actively involved in daily operations, and the person people look to when a call needs to be made about whether work goes ahead.
With two Coordinators engaged, you won't be carrying the site alone. You'll work alongside a peer, with coverage shared across work fronts, supported by GEA's established QHSE framework.
Scope of services
Building a visible, engaging H&S presence
Ensuring the H&S function on site is approachable, visible, dependable and actively involved in daily operations
Collaborating with workers, supervisors, subcontractors and management to promote positive safety conversations in the field
Earning the respect and trust of work teams by providing practical, workable safety solutions
Recognising and promoting positive safety behaviours, acknowledging safe observations and celebrating H&S successes across the project team
Championing a safety culture where all workers take responsibility for their own safety and that of others
Day-to-day site oversight
Conducting regular site inspections, safety observations and hazard identification walks
Monitoring workplace conditions to identify trends, emerging risks and opportunities for continuous improvement
Assisting supervisors and site managers to ensure critical risk activities are adequately planned, assessed and controlled
Coordinating the Permit-to-Work system for high-risk activities including Working at Heights, Hot Work and Confined Space entry
Documentation, systems and reporting
Managing and maintaining site H&S documentation, registers, permits, records and compliance systems
Recording, monitoring and reporting health and safety statistics, including incidents, near misses, hazards and corrective actions
Supporting the development, review and implementation of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), Risk Assessments and Permit-to-Work systems
Incident management
Assisting with incident, near miss and injury investigations, ensuring corrective actions are identified, assigned and closed out
Driving proactive hazard and near-miss reporting so risks are identified before they escalate
Contractor and compliance management
Conducting contractor audits and compliance reviews to verify adherence to project and client H&S requirements
Monitoring compliance with project safety plans, site rules, client requirements and relevant New Zealand legislation and standards
Engagement, training and emergency preparedness
Facilitating inductions for new workers, contractors and visitors, ensuring site-specific hazards and controls are understood
Leading and participating in toolbox talks, pre-start meetings, worker engagement sessions and safety committee meetings
Promoting worker participation and consultation through safety observations, hazard reporting and continuous engagement initiatives
Maintaining emergency preparedness, including first aid, evacuation procedures, fire protection equipment and emergency response
What you'll bring
Experience and qualifications
Demonstrated experience as a Site H&S Coordinator, Advisor or equivalent on large-scale construction or industrial projects
A relevant health and safety qualification (NZ Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice Level 4 or higher, or equivalent)
Strong working knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations
A sound understanding of construction site hazards
Proven contractor management experience across multiple trades and subcontractors
Incident investigation and root cause analysis capability
Experience in food, dairy or process industry construction is an advantage
Key attributes
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to influence workers and management at all levels
A practical, problem-solving mindset
The ability to work independently while engaging collaboratively with project teams
Confidence to hold the line on safety standards while building genuine working relationships
The engagement
A defined 18-month engagement with clear scope and deliverables on a high-profile project
Competitive day or hourly rate, negotiated based on experience and inclusive of your own tools, equipment and vehicle
Site access, systems access and project-specific inductions provided by GEA
Working within an established global QHSE framework alongside an experienced project team
The opportunity to be part of a landmark project in the South Island dairy sector
How to apply
Apply with your CV and a short cover note outlining your relevant project experience and your indicative rate.
Contractors must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and be able to provide:
A current NZBN and GST registration (or be willing to register)
Evidence of public liability and professional indemnity insurance
Confirmation of their own ACC CoverPlus arrangements
Engagement is subject to satisfactory reference checks, pre-engagement drug and alcohol testing, and GEA's standard contract for services.