Head of Operational Risk

Head of Operational Risk

127381

A new transformational adventure awaits you…

How does 5 weeks of annual leave, a fulfilling career you’ll genuinely enjoy, and working for a reputable organization that promotes wellbeing and drives digital transformation sound to you?

As one of Forbes 2024 ‘World’s Best Employers’ and Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ for 2025, Zurich - a leader in the insurance industry, is on a journey towards a brighter future… A brighter future for you - focused on your career, your wellbeing, and your community - as well as our customers and the planet.

Join us on this thrilling journey as we work towards our vision of becoming Australia’s leading digital insurer. If you’re eager to be part of a values‑driven global organisation that’s experiencing real growth and transformation, and you share our commitment to making a tangible difference and taking continuous steps towards a sustainable future for our people, customers, communities, and our planet, then keep reading!

About The Business

Zurich Australia is a leading life and general insurer in Australia, participating in both retail and corporate markets, providing insurance solutions to customers directly as well as through advisers, brokers and trusted partners.

Risk is an independent second‑line function within the Zurich Group across both Life and General Insurance. The Risk function provides leading constructive challenges to enhance transparency on risk‑reward trade‑offs facilitating risk‑informed decision‑making.

Role Overview

As the Head of Operational Risk, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, you will guide a small specialist team within a broader Risk function. You will own and develop the Operational Risk Framework and methodologies in alignment with the Zurich Risk Policy, partner closely with business and support functions (including IT) to provide consistent risk oversight and embed risk thinking in decision‑making.

Key accountabilities include facilitating risk identification and assessments, defining and monitoring operational risk appetite, uplifting risk data quality to generate actionable enterprise‑wide insights, and delivering high‑quality reporting for Board and Executive governance. You will champion a strong risk culture through training and communication, drive change and continuous improvement (including embedding CPS 230 requirements), oversee material service provider risks, develop local policies aligned to Group standards, and support regulatory engagement with APRA and others.

Important to your success – let’s grow together

• 10+ years’ experience in operational risk leadership within financial services (with broader risk / FS exposure welcomed).
• Deep expertise in operational risk frameworks, controls, governance and incident management.
• Strong regulatory knowledge across APRA and ASIC requirements, including CPS 230 and related prudential standards; exposure to cross‑jurisdictional guidance is a plus.
• Proven leadership of high‑performing teams and ability to influence across first and second line functions.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in risk posture, data quality, SLAs, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear, concise reporting and insights for Board and Executive audiences.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills for risk assessments and workshops; adept at constructive challenge and coaching.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and delivery.
• Familiarity with risk quantification methods, control libraries, key risk indicators, and dashboarding / risk data platforms.
• Change leadership experience, including driving CPS 230‑aligned process improvements and managing regulatory change programs.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership style that fosters a high‑performance, learning culture.

Benefits

Zurich is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is fair and accessible for all candidates. If you require any special accommodations to participate in our recruitment process, we encourage you to please let us know at the time of your application.

So, if you want to come on an adventure that will build a brighter future together, and feel a sense of togetherness, then please apply today to start your adventure!

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