Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Business Partner at JLL
Melissa Sanders, a Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Business Partner at JLL, has carved a unique career path from the skies to the Defence sector. Her journey began at just 19, soaring as a commercial pilot, flying tourists across the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Over the years, her aviation career took her across Australia, where at 24, Melissa achieved the impressive feat of becoming a chief pilot for a regular public transport operation.
During her time as a pilot, Melissa completed a master's degree in aviation management, which ignited her passion for safety, a spark that would later shape her career trajectory. After the birth of her first child, Melissa transitioned to a safety advisor role, developing training packages for new pilots. Her connection to Defence began during her 15-year stint in Darwin, fostering a deep appreciation for the work of Defence personnel.
The transition to JLL and the Defence sector came through a family connection. Melissa initially joined JLL in Defence procurement, moving into the safety team after her first year. Now, three years into her JLL journey, Melissa brings her aviation safety expertise to construction and Defence projects.
However, transitioning from the high-stakes world of aviation to construction safety presented unique challenges. As a pilot, her skills were highly specialised, demanding intensive initial and ongoing training. Initially, it was difficult to envision how those skills would translate to a completely different role. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating a new regulatory landscape. The legislation governing airlines is vastly different from that of construction. She had to immerse herself in a new set of regulations, a steep learning curve that pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
Despite these challenges, Melissa discovered that many skills honed as a pilot are invaluable in her current role. Critical thinking, risk assessment, and clear communication, all essential in the cockpit, are equally vital in managing health and safety. Situational awareness, cultivated through rigorous emergency training, enables her to stay calm, focused, and effectively manage problems at hand. Furthermore, the strict standards of discipline and accountability ingrained in pilots directly translate to her responsibilities in managing health and safety within the Defence sector at JLL.
In her current role as HSE Business Partner, Melissa works collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with regulations, mitigating risks, and promoting safe outcomes across various project phases. She supports Defence by assisting in achieving safe outcomes through contractor engagement and HSE assurance on projects ranging from building improvements to new facilities. One of the aspects Melissa values most about her role is the opportunity to support those who protect the nation.
JLL has been incredibly supportive of Melissa's professional development. Melissa is ambitious and always seeks to challenge herself, and JLL has provided the platform to do so. Through their support, she's had the opportunity to pursue further education, enrolling in university for the third time to study a graduate certificate in safety leadership, which allows her to apply best practices in health and safety to our operations. She also appreciates the flexibility JLL offers, allowing her to work from home and balance her professional responsibilities with family commitments.
Looking ahead, Melissa's career ambitions include completing her graduate certificate in safety leadership and applying that knowledge to drive meaningful change at JLL. She aspires to take on a leadership role and work towards making a positive impact on safety practices within the organisation.
One of the most surprising aspects of her work in Defence has been dealing with unexpected health and safety events unique to the sector, such as encountering unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Defence bases – a situation unlikely to arise in any other industry
Melissa's journey from the cockpit to Defence safety exemplifies the diverse and unexpected career paths that can lead to impactful roles in the Defence sector. Her story showcases how transferable skills, coupled with a passion for safety and a willingness to embrace new challenges, can contribute to vital work in supporting Australia's Defence capabilities.