Chief Credit Officer

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 will be 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.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

To be considered, you will demonstrate your ability to:

• 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 our 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
• 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

In addition to immersing yourself in a supportive team environment, you'll receive some great job perks and benefits including:

• 4 weeks standard holiday + 5 additional days of wellbeing leave to support you to be your best
• Additional purchased leave options up to 4 weeks per year
• Banking benefits, insurance discounts and superannuation scheme
• Growth and development – we provide opportunities for development and promote internal mobility
• Recognition - we recognise and reward our star performers
• School holiday subsidy - help you balance work and family during school holiday
• 2 Volunteer days per year

Ko mātou tēnei | Our Organisation
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. The giant 'W' on our building doesn't just stand for Westpac – it says, double you. We're a place that values, rewards and recognises individuality. Where you can be your whole self, your true self, and your best self. We're recognised as a place where talent is developed, where passions are fuelled and where ambitions of all shapes and sizes thrive. And it all starts with you

Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter.

The people of Aotearoa, New Zealand hail from many cultures and backgrounds. At Westpac New Zealand, we draw on this enormous talent pool to cultivate a team rich in ability and empowered to reach its full potential. Our aim is to be brave challengers, celebrating our differences and relentlessly advocating for our customers. It starts with us – we believe that when we care deeply and do our best for our people, they'll do their best for our customers. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including those who are neurodiverse, have chronic health conditions or disabilities – your attitude and passion are as important to us as your experience, qualifications and capabilities.

5 October 2025

What makes us unique are the people we're lucky enough to have walk through our doors every day. To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory / salary below minimum wage.