Chief Operating Officer – Institutional and Business Banking (IBB)

• Based in Britomart, Auckland
• Full time, Permanent position

Mō te tūranga | About the Role
The Chief Operating Officer is a strategic partner to the Managing Director IBB and IBB Leadership Team, playing a pivotal role in supporting the overall performance of IBB. The role is unique, combining the leadership of First Line Risk, Customer Performance & Insights and Business Operations.
This role is responsible for driving operational efficiency, uplift in people capability, enabling business performance and ensuring risks across the consumer division are well managed. Together with the MD, the Chief Operating Officer sets the IBB strategy and works to align all business areas across Westpac to execute on this strategy. This role is critical in enabling the business to adapt to evolving customer preferences and market dynamics, while maintaining a high-performance culture.
Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Execution:

• Lead the development and delivery of IBB’s strategic roadmap, collaborating across Westpac NZ and Westpac Group to drive growth, customer value, and long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with the WNZL Strategy team to provide input into the development and refinement of the IBB customer and segment strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall WNZL strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement measurement frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Own key controls for IBB, oversee risk and compliance activities, and ensure alignment with enterprise frameworks and regulatory standards.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and external parties in relation to IBB risk, compliance and conduct matters as required.
• Work with the wider IBB LT to drive ongoing improvement in risk culture across the BU.

Operational Excellence:

• Optimise processes, drive digital transformation, and enhance customer experience through data-driven insights and scalable solutions.
• Oversee operational performance across IBB, with a focus on insights, efficiency, customer experience and growth.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement in collaboration with IBB LT and business partners.
• Work with LOBs on developing and implementing KPI’s and operational metrics to track performance and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Inspire high-performing teams, influence senior stakeholders, and represent IBB at executive and board levels.
• Represent the business unit in risk and operational discussions at executive and board levels.
• Lead talent development, succession planning, and capability uplift of the COO team
• Serve as a key liaison between IBB, internal partners (Product, 2nd Line Risk, Digital, Technology, Transformation, Marketing etc), including oversight of IBB’s dependencies on key programmes of work.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

• Expert knowledge of the financial services industry, with depth in the Institutional and Business banking sector
• Tertiary qualification and risk based professional qualification preferred
• Proven leadership in complex organisations, with a track record of driving cultural transformation and major change.
• Deep expertise in credit risk, regulatory frameworks (Basel, APRA, FSLAA, Sarbanes-Oxley), and stakeholder management.
• 10+ years’ experience in the financial services sector (preferably banking) with 7+ years in Risk or Business Operations
• Highest level of senior stakeholder management
• Deep credit and credit risk understanding

Westpac Hei Wāhi Mahi | Working at Westpac

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!
Tono mai ināianei! | Apply Now!
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.
Mahi tahi tātou, kaha ake tātou | Together Greater
Applications close:
19 August 202

Please refer the Job description for details