Regional Head of Operational Risk Management RANZ

About Rabobank

At Rabobank, we offer more than just a role — we provide the opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation with a strong, values-led culture, flexible ways of working, and a genuine commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

As the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking, our strength lies in our people. We bring deep sector expertise and a long-term perspective to everything we do, partnering with our clients to support sustainable growth and resilience across the industries we serve.

Our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients is matched by our focus on creating an environment where our people can thrive, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Group Executive Chief Risk Officer RANZ with a dual reporting line in to the globally Head of Operational Risk, this is a critical senior leadership role with enterprise-wide influence across Rabobank Australia & New Zealand. As Regional Head of Operational Risk Management, you will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the CRO and senior leadership, shaping the organisation’s operational risk agenda and strengthening risk resilience in a complex, multi‑jurisdictional environment.

This position carries significant accountability for the design, oversight, and continuous enhancement of the Operational Risk Management framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and supporting sustainable business growth. As a key member of the regional Risk Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in driving risk culture, informing strategic decision-making, and ensuring robust governance at the highest levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a key advisor to the Regional CRO and Executive on operational risk strategy and emerging risk themes
• Shape and deliver the regional ORM strategy, aligned to business objectives and global standards
• Influence strategic decision-making through risk insights, challenge, and advisory

Risk Oversight & Frameworks

• Lead the implementation and continuous enhancement of the Operational Risk Management Framework
• Provide independent second-line oversight, challenging business decisions, risk appetite, and control effectiveness
• Maintain a comprehensive view of the regional risk profile, ensuring proactive risk identification and mitigation
• Oversee risk assessments, control testing, and deep-dive reviews across key risk areas

Business Partnership

• Partner with business lines and support functions to strengthen risk culture and accountability
• Provide guidance on new products, initiatives, and material changes, ensuring alignment with risk appetite
• Deliver data-driven insights and reporting to inform business and executive decision-making

Regulatory & Governance

• Lead engagement with regulators (e.g. APRA, RBNZ) in collaboration with the CRO
• Ensure compliance with regulatory obligations, including CPS 230 and FAR requirements
• Deliver high-quality reporting to Boards, Committees, and senior management
• Represent ORM in regional and global governance forums

Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing Operational Risk team across the region
• Foster a strong, proactive risk culture and continuous improvement mindset
• Build capability, coach senior leaders, and drive cross-functional collaboration

Skills & Capabilities

• Proven executive leadership in Operational Risk Management within financial services
• Strong strategic thinking and advisory capability, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and Boards
• Deep expertise in risk frameworks, governance, and control environments
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and regulatory management experience
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-jurisdictional and matrixed environment
• Strong communication skills, translating complex risk concepts into clear business outcomes

Knowledge & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Commerce, Economics, Banking or related discipline (MBA or postgraduate desirable)
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in operational risk management within banking or financial services
• Demonstrated experience in senior executive leadership roles
• Deep understanding of operational risk frameworks, APRA standards (including CPS 230), and FAR obligations
• Experience working across global and multi-regulatory environments and engaging with regulators
• Strong understanding of risk appetite, control design, and risk culture frameworks

Apply Now

To apply, please submit your application online. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Tiffany Spiers, Talent Partner, on 0439 882 842.

What we're proud to offer you:

• Rabo@Anywhere is our hybrid way of working at Rabobank and for Australia, that means we have a blend of time working between the office and home.  
• Wellbeing leave. These leave days support greater work/life balance and is just another way we are helping our employees to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. 
• Education Assistance Program. Rabobank values the development of its people and has a great Education Assistance Program to assist with professional development. 
• Parental Leave that supports you and your family while giving you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy this special time (up-to 14 weeks paid leave) 
• Bonus and Additional Leave. We realise sometimes 4 weeks Annual Leave isn't enough! At Rabobank we provide an incentive for eligible employees to receive 1 extra week Annual Leave and an option to purchase another 2 weeks Annual Leave. 
• Extra Insurance. Rabobank recognises that employees need to protect their financial wellbeing, in the event of serious illness, injury, or even death. Rabobank provides eligible permanent employees with employer-funded Death, TPD and Income Protection Insurance. 
• Rabo Workplace Giving program. As part of Rabobank's global Corporate Social Responsibility, Workplace Giving aims to encourage employees to contribute to our community. Rabo Workplace Giving program matches employee donations to selected Social Partners. 
• Our Values
• Rabobank Australia values inclusion, belonging, and positive experiences for all. Our work environment, our benefits, and the way we live our values, “Client Driven”, “Responsible”, “Professional” and “Cooperative” make it a great place to work. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. 
•  Please let our Talent Acquisition team know if you need any accommodations to make our opportunities more accessible to you. 

Rabobank is not accepting submissions from recruitment agencies for this role.

Applicants must hold valid work rights for this role