Chief Credit Officer

This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand. Westpac NZ (WNZL) is hiring a Chief Credit Officer to manage financial risk and support WNZL's growth while aligning strategies with enterprise goals. You will report directly to the Chief Risk Officer and assume primary oversight of the functions managing core financial risk for Westpac NZ. In addition, you will develop best practices to manage financial risks to the Bank's appetite, maximize opportunities and keep the bank safe.

The purpose of this role is upholding sound risk management and robust credit controls, as well as providing expert advice on financial risk. Key to the success of this senior leadership role will be your proven influencing skills and executive presence to help drive key decision making.

• Lead Westpac NZ's core financial risk management, ensuring professional credit standards and portfolio health remain at the highest levels.
• Set and drive credit risk strategies that balance risk and reward, supporting the bank's broader objectives.
• Oversee financial risk related activities, including credit processes and optimisation; provide input into credit policy development; and engage closely with lending divisions, and other teams within the second line of defence such as credit analytics, policy, market risk and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including RBNZ and APRA prudential standards.
• Maximise opportunities within risk appetite by identifying economic and portfolio trends to inform credit settings and policies.
• Partner with Consumer, Institutional, and Business Banking divisions to achieve optimal risk/reward outcomes.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on achievement, teamwork and professional growth.
• Engage confidently with external stakeholders, including regulators, credit agencies and industry groups.
• Advise and inform key internal stakeholders including Westpac NZ Executives, Westpac Banking Corporation Executives, and the Westpac NZ Board.
• Provide proven leadership and experience in implementing organisational change and inspiring teams.
• Formulate and execute growth-oriented credit strategies based on deep sector experience.
• Utilise expertise in credit analytics, credit policy and decisioning models.
• Bring strong knowledge of legislation, regulation, and global best practices in financial risk management.
• Build strong, effective relationships both internally and externally, with high EQ.
• Think strategically and promote innovation across the organisation.
• Drive a culture of customer focus and excellence in performance.
• Enhance team performance by setting clear goals and fostering a collaborative and motivating environment.
• Lead by example, championing best-in-class risk management behaviours.
• Consistently deliver outstanding results for the organisation.

• Proven leadership and experience in implementing organisational change and inspiring teams.
• Formulate and execute growth-oriented credit strategies based on deep sector experience.
• Utilise expertise in credit analytics, credit policy and decisioning models.
• Bring strong knowledge of legislation, regulation, and global best practices in financial risk management.
• Ability to build strong, effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and a track record of promoting innovation.
• Commitment to a culture of customer focus and performance excellence.

• 4 weeks standard holiday + 5 additional days of wellbeing leave
• Additional purchased leave options up to 4 weeks per year
• Banking benefits, insurance discounts and a superannuation scheme
• Growth and development opportunities and internal mobility
• Recognition and reward programs for high performance
• School holiday subsidy to help balance work and family
• 2 Volunteer days per year

At Westpac, we're working together to build a fairer and stronger New Zealand for our people, customers, and communities. For over 160 years we've been driven by our purpose to Create Better Futures Together.

What makes us unique are the incredible people we're lucky enough to have walk through our doors every day. We're a place that values individuality and where you can be your whole self, your best self. We're committed to developing talent and promoting opportunities for growth.

Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter.

Our People: Westpac NZ welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and abilities. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including those who are neurodiverse or have disabilities. Your attitude and passion are as important as your experience and qualifications.

5 October 2025