Head of Ethics and Compliance

Hello. We're Virgin Australia. We're the airline that's always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We're on a mission to make flying better than 'nice'. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about doing the right thing – because that's not just one of our values, it's how we fly.

We're looking for an exceptional leader to shape the future of ethics and compliance at Virgin Australia. Someone who believes integrity isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about building a culture where doing the right thing is simply how we work, play, behave, and decide.

You'll lead a high-performing team of compliance, ethics and fraud prevention professionals fostering capability, independence and engagement.

What you'll be doing:

As our Head of Ethics and Compliance, you'll be the guardian of our ethical compass and the architect of our compliance future. Reporting directly to our Chief Legal Officer, you'll lead our Ethics, Compliance and Fraud Prevention functions, ensuring we don't just meet standards – we set them.

You'll own and drive our critical compliance programs that keep us flying with integrity including:

• Our Anti-Bribery & Corruption framework that ensures every deal we make is clean
• Our Modern Slavery and Human Rights program that protects vulnerable people in our supply chains
• Our Sanctions and AML programs that keep us on the right side of global regulations
• Our Speak Up and whistleblower protection framework that gives our people a safe voice
• Our Third Party Due Diligence program that ensures our partners and suppliers meet our ethical standards and mitigate risks across bribery, corruption, sanctions, and modern slavery.

In addition to these programs, you'll be responsible for leading our Fraud Prevention function, proactively identifying and mitigating fraud risks across the business. You'll also be responsible for Board reporting ensuring timely and accurate updates on regulatory, ethics, compliance and whistleblower matters, as well as conduct risk.

This is a strategic leadership role where you'll shape how 8,000+ team members think about ethics every day. From the ground crew to the boardroom, you'll champion a culture where speaking up is celebrated, where compliance is engaging, and where everyone understands that how we do business matters as much as the business we do.

You'll become a trusted advisor by translating complex regulatory requirements into practical strategies that work in the real world of aviation. You'll build relationships with regulators like AUSTRAC, ACCC, and ACMA, ensuring Virgin Australia is always ahead of the compliance curve.

You'll be great in this role if you:

• Bring 10+ years of compliance leadership experience, with a proven track record of building or transforming enterprise-wide ethics and programs
• Have hands on experience developing and managing ABC, Modern Slavery, Sanctions and AML programs that work
• Know Australian compliance inside out – Corporations Act, Criminal Code, Modern Slavery Act, AML/CTF Act – and can make it meaningful for frontline teams
• Understand whistleblower protections and have built Speak Up cultures where people feel safe to raise concerns
• Can balance unwavering integrity with commercial acumen
• Collaborate naturally with Risk, Audit, Legal and Governance functions while maintaining your independence
• Hold a degree and/or postgraduate qualification(s) in law, business, risk, governance, or relevant discipline.
• Hold professional memberships (or are working towards them) in compliance, risk or governance.
• Props if you're admitted to practice law in an Australian jurisdiction and/or hold specialist certifications like CCEP, LPEC, GRCP or ICA
• Bonus points for aviation industry experience or managing compliance in complex, regulated environments
• Extra kudos if you've led digital transformation in compliance or implemented GRC technology

What you'll get from us:

We're committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Heavily discounted air travel for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
• Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance
• Access to Virgin Australia Lounges with discounted membership
• Comprehensive wellness support through our
  Converge
  digital wellbeing platform
• Professional development opportunities and access to industry-leading compliance networks
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for all aspects of life
• Discounts on travel insurance, car hire, accommodation and experiences worldwide
• Dress for Your Day – because we trust you to know what's appropriate
• Direct engagement with our Board and Executive Leadership Team
• The chance to shape ethical culture at one of Australia's most loved brands

Equality rules:

We're all individuals. We love that. That's why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, and anyone else who wants to help us fly with integrity.

Ready to help us do the right thing, always?
We're ready to hear from you.
Apply now.