Operational Governance Leader

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Trustee Office team at Mercer Super. This role can be based in Sydney or Melbourne. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office.

Operational Governance Leader

Reporting to the Trustee Office Leader for Mercer Super, this role is responsible for overseeing a broad range of operational governance functions including operational risk management framework, financial and audit management, product and plan management (including Defined Benefit arrangements), member outcomes, dispute resolution and other operational frameworks concerning the Mercer Super Trust.

While the primary focus of the role is supporting the Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Pty Ltd (MSAL) Board in discharging its operational governance obligations, the position will manage a team of Governance Officers supporting the leaders within the Trustee Office. Additionally, the role will involve participation in other governance activities for MSAL as appropriate, which may include projects or ongoing oversight related to regulatory change or MSAL initiatives, or to assist in balancing workload across the Trustee Office team.

We will count on you to:

• Oversee Mercer Super's adherence with the operational governance and regulatory frameworks across MSAL, particularly as it relates to:
  • Operational risk management
  • The product governance framework including Member Outcomes Assessments, cohort analyses, annual outcomes assessments
  • Internal and external dispute resolution processes
  • Defined Benefit arrangements and ORFR policies
  • Financial management including fund expenses, member reserves and the application of the best financial interests duty
  • External and internal audit,

and also includes:

• Determining agenda items for Board and Committee meetings (as relevant), in conjunction with Group Secretariat and other management staff.
• Being accountable for all compliance sign-offs related to MSAL's adherence to its operational governance obligations.
• Liaising with Mercer Super senior leadership, Line 1 and Line 2 Risk & Compliance, internal audit and the external auditors on relevant matters as they relate to MSAL's trustee obligations, ensuring that all queries are fully and adequately addressed.
• Representing MSAL as a key stakeholder in the internal audit and APRA regulatory reviews of MSAL's relevant frameworks, providing written material for and attending sessions with these parties.
  • Oversee MSAL's internal operational governance documentation, ensuring that the scope meets the requirements of the relevant regulatory framework, that relevant stakeholder buy-in is obtained, and that the documentation is regularly reviewed and updated in line with the
  • Act as people leader, mentor and/or coach to the Governance Officers within the Trustee Office (or other staff as agreed with the Trustee Office Leader), monitoring workflow and quality of output, to deliver a high standard of work through on-the-job training and development.requirements of the governance and regulatory frameworks and for changes in regulatory requirements/expectations.
  • Support risk management within Mercer Super by ensuring compliance with frameworks and regulations.
  • Managing and presenting to the Mercer Super board and committee.

What you need to have:

• Minimum of 10 years' relevant superannuation industry experience, including at least 3 years relevant experience in a governance role.
• Experience in a client servicing/consulting role is also desirable.
• Excellent working knowledge of a trustee's role and responsibilities, and the superannuation regulatory framework, with the ability to interpret and participate in negotiations of contractual documents on behalf of the trustee.
• Experience presenting to the board
• Detailed knowledge of how superannuation funds are structured and operate, including the various types and structures of common products, risks relevant to each, and the roles of all stakeholders involved with each.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage a role involved in multiple projects and conflicting deadlines successfully, and with a particular emphasis on being able to apply project management techniques to do so.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with an ability to communicate in writing clearly and effectively and to propose amendments to, and negotiate, service provider contracts.
• Sound judgement and ability to make appropriate, timely decisions.
• Self-motivated, taking a professional attitude to meeting deadlines and adhering to documented work standards, and able to work autonomously.
• Ability to handle the potential conflicts associated with related party relationships.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to express complex ideas simply.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with external and internal stakeholders.

Why join our team:

• We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders
• We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities
• Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.

Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), is a global leader in helping clients realize their investment objectives, shape the future of work and enhance health and retirement outcomes for their people. Marsh McLennan is a global leader in risk, strategy and people, advising clients in 130 countries across four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. With annual revenue of $24 billion and more than 90,000 colleagues, Marsh McLennan helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit mercer.com, or follow on LinkedIn and X.

Marsh McLennan is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age, background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Marsh McLennan is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh McLennan colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one "anchor day" per week on which their full team will be together in person.