Lead Inspector (Construction)

At Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of Queensland workers. As part of the Office of Industrial Relations (OIR), we're committed to creating safer, healthier and more productive workplaces through education, engagement and effective regulation. As a Lead Inspector (Construction) based in Brendale, you'll provide leadership to a team of inspectors while ensuring Queensland workplaces meet their work health and safety obligations. This is an opportunity to combine your leadership capability with your regulatory experience to influence workplace safety outcomes across a diverse range of industries.

About the role

As a Lead Inspector, you'll:

• Lead, coach and support a team of inspectors in a dynamic regulatory environment.
• Interpret and apply complex legislation to make sound regulatory decisions.
• Oversee and support investigations into workplace incidents and compliance matters.
• Engage with employers, workers and industry stakeholders to improve safety outcomes.
• Identify and respond to breaches of legislation using an education-first approach while taking enforcement action where required.
• Contribute to operational planning, continuous improvement and organisational change initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver consistent regulatory outcomes.

About you

We're looking for an experienced leader with a background in regulation, compliance, investigations or enforcement who can confidently operate in complex environments.

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation or regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparing investigation reports, recommendations and regulatory documentation.
• Experience in compliance, enforcement, investigations or another regulatory environment (work health and safety experience is highly regarded but not essential).
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

Why join us?

When you join WHSQ you'll become part of an organisation committed to making Queensland workplaces safer.

You'll enjoy:

• Meaningful work that has a direct impact on the Queensland community.
• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• Ongoing learning, leadership development and career progression opportunities.
• Competitive salary, superannuation and Queensland Government employment benefits.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture focused on achieving positive safety outcomes.

How to apply

Please supply a letter or statement (no more than 2 pages) answering the following two questions:

1. What motivates you to apply for the Lead Inspector (Construction) role with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, and how does this opportunity align with your skills, experience and career aspirations?
2. Describe an achievement to best demonstrate your contribution to:
3. a) Improving workplace health and safety outcomes on a large scale (preferably in a regulatory environment); or
4. b) Increasing the capability of staff relating to a workplace health and safety issue.

Your responses should provide specific examples that demonstrate your leadership capability, decision-making skills and ability to achieve positive outcomes in a complex operational environment.

If you're looking for a role where your leadership and regulatory experience can make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications to remain current for 12 months

Job Ad Reference: QLD/698103/26 

Closing Date: Monday, 31 August 2026