Head Of Risk

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Introduction:
About us.

A unique life requires a unique bank.

Defence Bank is a member‑owned bank with a proud history of serving the Australian Defence community for almost 50 years. Our purpose is to improve the financial wellbeing of our members, and we do this by putting people first — our members and our people.

We’re known for being collaborative, values‑led and genuinely flexible, with a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and doing work that matters.

Winner of the Best Reward & Recognition program 2024 and a finalist for Employer of Choice 2024, it is not only our employees who think our bank is truly one of the best places to work.

Description:
About the role

We are seeking an experienced and pragmatic Head of Risk to lead second‑line risk oversight across our purpose-driven bank, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer.

This senior leadership role is responsible for the oversight and ongoing effectiveness of the bank’s Risk Management Framework, with a strong focus on Risk strategy, Risk Identification and Assessment, Credit and Operational Risk, Business Continuity and Control Self‑Assurance, Credit Policy development and oversight, You will partner closely with the business to lift risk maturity, providing balanced oversight that supports sustainable growth while keeping the bank safe.

You will play a key role in advising Executive Management and the Board on risk matters, translating regulatory requirements into practical, proportionate risk settings appropriate to a member‑owned bank.

Your key responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

Overseeing and maintaining the Bank’s Risk Management Framework, with primary accountability for Credit and Operational Risk oversight.

Providing second‑line oversight of credit risk appetite, lending policy, underwriting standards and key lending controls.

Risk Identification and Assessment, identifying, assessing and prioritising risks at both an Enterprise and business level.

Designing and overseeing the Control Self‑Assurance program and cyclical risk assessments, including attestations and remediation tracking.

Leading the design and ongoing effectiveness of the Bank’s Business Continuity Strategy, with a key focus on critical operations.

Monitoring, escalating and reporting on risk incidents, breaches and emerging risks, in line with the Risk Appetite Statement.

Delivering clear, insightful risk reporting and advice to Executive Management and the Board Risk and Compliance Committee.

Collaboration and Culture, working closely with business unit, risk champions and other departments to embed a positive risk culture

Stakeholder engagement, liaising with regulators, auditors and external partners to communicate risk related matters effectively

Skills and Experiences:
About You

You are a seasoned risk professional with strong operational and credit risk capability, known for your sound judgement, commercial mindset and ability to work constructively with the business. You are comfortable operating at senior levels, influencing outcomes through collaboration rather than control, and balancing risk discipline with practical delivery.

You will have:
Extensive experience in banking risk, credit risk or senior lending roles, with exposure to second‑line risk oversight.

Strong technical understanding of operational and credit risk frameworks, risk appetite and control environments.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement regulatory requirements, including APRA, ASIC, NCCP and Privacy obligations.

Experience designing or overseeing risk assurance, control testing or CSA‑type programs.

Highly developed analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.

Proven leadership capability, with a collaborative style and the confidence to engage Executive and Board stakeholders.

We count on you. And you can count on us.

We have a great range of employee benefits including:
Savings and discounts across our range of products and services

Innovative Work-Life fit program including additional paid leave

A generous annual corporate wardrobe allowance

Birthday leave

Access to our internal "reward and recognition" platform - vouchers, discounts, e-cards and much more!

Interested? We'd like to hear from you. Click to apply.

Defence Bank is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment and seek to have a team that reflects our diverse community. We encourage anyone interested in our role and a career at Defence Bank to apply.

All successful candidates will be required to complete employment checks prior to an offer of employment.

Whilst we value and appreciate the time and effort you made to apply for this position, only short-listed applicants with Australian Working Rights will be contacted to discuss their application.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may close at any time once a suitable candidate is identified. We encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly.