Job Title

EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) Advisor - Permit Issuer

Job Description Summary

This role holds primary ownership and accountability for the organisation’s Permit to Work (PTW) system across high‑risk activities. You will ensure the PTW framework is robust, compliant, consistently applied, and embedded across operations, while acting as a trusted EHS advisor to internal teams, contractors, clients, and regulators throughout New Zealand.

Job Description

Location: Open to Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Wellington or Tauranga

Key Responsibilities

Permit to Work System Ownership (Primary Accountability)

Act as the owner and custodian of the Permit to Work framework for all high‑risk activities across the business

Review existing permit processes, documentation, and practices to identify gaps, duplication, and inconsistencies

Lead the development, review, and standardisation of Permit to Work procedures, forms, guidance materials, and supporting documentation

Ensure all Permit to Work processes align with:

New Zealand health, safety, and environmental legislation

Client standards and contractual obligations

Organisational EHS policies and ISO‑aligned management systems

Issue Permits to Work for high‑risk activities across designated key accounts

Provide technical advice and decision‑making support on permit conditions, control measures, and authorisation requirements

Monitor permit quality, compliance, and effectiveness through audits, reviews, and field verification activities

Training, Roll‑out, and Capability Building

Design and deliver Permit to Work training for operational staff, contractors, and Permit Issuers, covering:

PTW requirements, roles, and responsibilities

Authorisation processes and high‑risk work controls

Lead the organisation‑wide roll‑out of updated PTW processes, ensuring consistent understanding and application

Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and technical support to internal Permit Issuers

Develop supporting tools, checklists, and guidance materials to strengthen permit quality and risk‑based decision‑making

Conduct ongoing reviews of approved PTW training requirements and issuer competency for internal permit authorities

EHS Advisory and Program Support

Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of EHS policies, procedures, and programs, with a focus on high‑risk activities including:

Working at Height

Hot Work

Hazardous Substances

Confined Spaces

Contractor management and permit‑controlled work

Conduct inspections, audits, and spot checks to verify EHS and permit compliance

Support operational teams to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls

Incident and Assurance Activities

Support the triage and investigation of EHS incidents, near misses, and permit‑related events

Participate in incident investigations using ICAM or equivalent methodologies

Track corrective actions and support their implementation to reduce the risk of recurrence

Maintain accurate, audit‑ready records for permits, training, inspections, and incidents

Regulatory and Client Engagement

Maintain current and in‑depth knowledge of New Zealand EHS legislation relevant to high‑risk work and permit systems

Support regulatory inspections, external audits, and client assurance activities

Represent the organisation professionally in all matters relating to Permit to Work systems and high‑risk safety controls

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Certificate (Level 4) in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or a related discipline

Minimum 5 years’ experience in an EHS role within New Zealand, ideally in facilities management, trades, infrastructure, or high‑risk operational environments

Demonstrated experience managing, issuing, reviewing, or improving Permit to Work systems

Experience implementing EHS or PTW improvements across multiple sites or business units

ICAM (or equivalent) incident investigation experience

Auditor or Lead Auditor training aligned to ISO‑based management systems

Strong working knowledge of New Zealand EHS legislation and regulatory expectations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHS management systems

What’s in It for You

Ownership of a critical, high‑impact safety system across the organisation

Opportunity to shape and mature the Permit to Work framework at a strategic level

Exposure to complex, high‑risk operations and major client environments

Strong support for professional development, training, and certification

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We have a vision of the future where people simply belong. That’s why we support and celebrate inclusive causes—not just on days of recognition, but every day. We embrace diversity across race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and veteran status.

 

 

 

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”