Head of Operational Risk

A new transformational adventure awaits you… 

How does 5 weeks of annual leave, a fulfilling career you'll genuinely enjoy, and working for a reputable organization that promotes wellbeing and drives digital transformation sound to you?

As one of Forbes 2024 ‘World’s Best Employers’ and Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ for 2025, Zurich - a leader in the insurance industry, is on a journey towards a brighter future… A brighter future for you - focused on your career, your wellbeing, and your community - as well as our customers and the planet.

Join us on this thrilling journey as we work towards our vision of becoming Australia's leading digital insurer. If you're eager to be part of a values-driven global organisation that's experiencing real growth and transformation, and if you share our commitment to making a tangible difference and taking continuous steps towards a sustainable future for our people, customers, communities, and our planet, then keep reading!
 

About the business

Zurich Australia is a leading life and general insurer in Australia, participating in both retail and corporate markets, providing insurance solutions to customers directly as well as through advisers, brokers and trusted partners.

Risk is an independent second line function within the Zurich Group across both Life and General Insurance. The Risk function provides leading constructive challenges to enhance transparency on risk-reward trade-offs facilitating risk-informed decision-making.
 

Let’s create a brighter future together, let’s make a difference  

It’s important to know, what you do matters. At Zurich, we don’t just cover, we care.

As the Head of Operational Risk, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, you will guide a small specialist team within a broader Risk function. You will own and develop the Operational Risk Framework and methodologies in alignment with the Zurich Risk Policy, partner closely with business and support functions (including IT) to provide consistent risk oversight and embed risk thinking in decision-making.

Key accountabilities include facilitating risk identification and assessments, defining and monitoring operational risk appetite, uplifting risk data quality to generate actionable enterprise-wide insights, and delivering high-quality reporting for Board and Executive governance. You will champion a strong risk culture through training and communication, drive change and continuous improvement (including embedding CPS 230 requirements), oversee material service provider risks, develop local policies aligned to Group standards, and support regulatory engagement with APRA and others.

Important to your success – let’s grow together

• 10+ years’ experience in operational risk leadership within financial services (with broader risk/FS exposure welcomed).
• Deep expertise in operational risk frameworks, controls, governance and incident management.
• Strong regulatory knowledge across APRA and ASIC requirements, including CPS 230 and related prudential standards; exposure to cross jurisdictional guidance is a plus.
• Proven leadership of high performing teams and ability to influence across first and second line functions.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in risk posture, data quality, SLAs, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear, concise reporting and insights for Board and Executive audiences.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills for risk assessments and workshops; adept at constructive challenge and coaching.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution and delivery.
• Familiarity with risk quantification methods, control libraries, key risk indicators, and dashboarding/risk data platforms.
• Change leadership experience, including driving CPS 230–aligned process improvements and managing regulatory change programs.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership style that fosters a high performance, learning culture.

Belong. Zurich is here to support you

 
There are so many reasons why Zurich is a great place to be and the right choice for you, but here are just a few.

• Enjoy 5 weeks of annual leave for permanent staff through our Z leave initiative, along with 15 days of personal/carer’s leave as we empower our people to manage their own wellbeing. Plus, access to Family Care (parental leave).
• Benefit from a hybrid working arrangement – 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home per week for full-time employees.
• Access programs to stay healthy and feel healthier, receive an AUD$500 wellbeing payment per year, and a AUD$295 new starter e-voucher for your work-from-home setup (flex work - hybrid working), along with other great benefits through our Shine portal.
• Grow and thrive in your career with our award-winning training programs. We support and encourage your development because our strength lies in our people, and we value your individuality.
• Work with global, diverse, and inclusive teams; explore your passions, fuel innovation, drive equity, collaborate, and make a positive difference beyond your role.
• Take advantage of global mobility opportunities across more than 200 countries worldwide.
• Volunteer and work in our state-of-the-art Green Star rated offices (when you are in the office) and dress for your day.
• We plant a tree for every new employee.
• Not to mention our various employer of choice awards/memberships – WGEA; Family Inclusive Workplace; Gold AWEI Employer, Pride in Diversity… to name a few.

We could go on, but the main point is that Zurich is a great place to be, where you can truly belong, be yourself, maintain work/life balance, and thrive in a supportive environment. 
 

Zurich is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is fair and accessible for all candidates. If you require any special accommodations to participate in our recruitment process, we encourage you to please let us know at the time of your application.  
 

So, if you want to come on an adventure that will build a brighter future together, and feel a sense of togetherness, then please apply today to start your adventure!