Principal Risk Lead

About the role

Are you ready to make your mark as a leader in enterprise risk? The Diocese of Parramatta is seeking a seasoned risk professional to step into a high-impact role that blends strategy, influence, and hands-on leadership. This is your opportunity to shape an organisation-wide risk culture that is resilient, forward-looking, and aligned with purpose.

As Principal Risk Lead, you’ll be the Diocese’s go-to expert on all things risk. Reporting directly to the Head of Information Management, Risk & Compliance and leading a small, dedicated team, you will:

- Design, embed, and continuously enhance our enterprise-wide Risk Management Framework
- Lead deep-dive risk assessments and horizon scanning to identify emerging risks (from ESG to cyber and beyond)
- Provide expert advice and solutions on complex, systemic, and strategic risk issues
- Deliver insightful, actionable risk reporting to the Diocesan Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee
- Mentor and inspire risk coordinators while supporting cross-functional risk owners
- Champion a values-driven risk culture across the Diocese

This is a role where you’ll combine strategic influence with practical execution, stepping up as the 2IC to the Head of Risk & Information Management and engaging directly with executive leadership.

About you

We’re looking for a confident, forward-thinking leader who can balance technical expertise with strong people and stakeholder skills.

You’ll bring:

- Tertiary qualifications and/or significant experience in Governance, Risk, Compliance, Audit or related disciplines
- 10+ years in enterprise/operational risk, audit or compliance roles
- Proven ability to lead teams and coach people to perform at their best
- Strong grasp of risk analytics, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills
- A commitment to living our Chancery values: Collaborate, Respect, Celebrate, Strive
- A demonstrated commitment to the ethos and values of the Christian faith
- A current (or willingness to obtain) Working with Children Check clearance

Why Join Us?

At the Diocese of Parramatta, you’ll enjoy a career with purpose — one where your expertise shapes safe, sustainable, and values-driven communities. Here’s what we offer:

- A role that blends professional challenge with personal meaning
- A leadership role with genuine influence at executive level
- A mission-driven environment where people and purpose come first
- A supportive, collaborative governance team that values your voice
- Competitive remuneration with generous salary packaging options
- Extra ex-gratia paid leave over Christmas

If this sounds like your kind of role and you believe you meet the above Essential Requirements then we would love to hear from you

About us

At the Diocese of Parramatta, our mission is to serve the diverse and multicultural Catholic communities of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains by spreading the Gospel teachings of love, compassion, and faith. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose.

We pride ourselves on living the values of Collaborate, Respect, Strive and Celebrate. We invite you to watch this video to get a deeper understanding of our core principles and beliefs that guide us in our daily work.

At the heart of the Diocese of Parramatta is its people and vibrant culture. We celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, reflecting the rich tapestry of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Our teams come together not only to work but to support one another in their personal and professional journeys.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer a range of benefits to support our employees:
Flex Working: We promote flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.

Leave Entitlements: We offer generous leave entitlements, ensuring you have the time you need to recharge and spend with loved ones.

Salary Sacrifice: We provide salary sacrifice options to help you maximise your financial benefits.
- A covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position, why you’re a good fit, and how you meet the _Essential Requirements_.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- The Diocese of Parramatta is a child safe organisation and is committed to providing child safe communities that recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults._
- The Diocese of Parramatta is respectful and accepting of individual differences and is committed to embracing diversity and treating all people with dignity. We welcome applicants from all cultures, religions and backgrounds._
- In all that we do in the course of our work, the Diocese of Parramatta acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Parramatta sits, the land of the Darug and Gundungurra people._

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