Head of Protective Security at Westpac Group

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

29 Jun, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Protective Security, Intelligence-Led Strategy, Incident Response, Risk Management, Executive Protection, Crisis Management, Stakeholder Management, Physical Security Risk, Threat Identification, Corporate Governance, Security Frameworks, Operational Response, Strategic Leadership, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting, Commercial Judgement

Industry

Financial Services

Description

Create your best future and join Westpac as Head of Protective Security What’s the role? As Head of Protective Security, you will lead and evolve Westpac’s enterprise-wide approach to safeguarding our people, assets and operations. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for shaping a practical, intelligence-led security strategy that responds to real-world threat environments while operating effectively within a complex, highly regulated organisation. You will set clear direction across protective security, strengthening frameworks, policies, standards, governance and operational response capabilities to ensure risks—both perceived and emerging—are understood, assessed and proactively managed. A key part of the remit is leading the Westpac Incident Response Centre, ensuring effective monitoring, triage and coordination of incidents across the Group. This role requires someone who can bridge operational threat expertise with corporate execution—bringing credibility in real-world risk environments while translating this into clear, actionable advice for senior business leaders. You will partner closely with stakeholders across the organisation, influencing decisions at the executive level and embedding a strong security and risk culture. You will also oversee: * Enterprise protective security frameworks, policies and standards * Executive protection, travel and event security * Crisis management and incident coordination * Delivery of clear, insight-led reporting to senior leadership Based in Sydney, this role operates in a hybrid model, with on-call responsiveness required during critical incidents or events where leadership and coordination are essential. What do I need? Background & Experience * Strong foundational experience in law enforcement, military, intelligence or government agencies (e.g. ASIO, DFAT), or equivalent real-world threat environments * Demonstrated transition into large, complex corporate environments (ideally ASX-listed or equivalent) * Minimum ~10+ years’ experience operating within structured, high-governance organisations Capability & Expertise * Deep understanding of physical security risk, threat identification and response * Proven ability to provide credible, practical security advice across a wide range of scenarios (including non-standard or ambiguous risks) * Experience operating in or alongside regulated environments such as financial services or critical infrastructure * Strong knowledge of security risk frameworks and incident response practices (e.g. ISO 31000, HB 167) Leadership & Stakeholder Management * Experience leading teams and operating as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders * Ability to translate complex threat landscapes into clear business decisions and actions * Proven experience influencing across diverse stakeholder groups in large organisations What will set you apart * Ability to seamlessly blend operational security expertise with corporate governance and risk management * Experience navigating complex, enterprise-level environments with competing priorities * Strong commercial judgement and calm decision-making under pressure Why join us? We’re committed to becoming our customers’ #1 banking partner for life—and we’re equally committed to building a workplace where our people can thrive. Some of the ways we support you: * Competitive remuneration and employee benefits, including discounted banking products * Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing leave options * Tailored learning and development opportunities * Opportunities to give back through community and volunteering initiatives Create your future today Click APPLY NOW to get started. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans, Indigenous Australians and the neurodiverse community. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for more information.

Responsibilities

Lead the enterprise-wide approach to safeguarding people, assets, and operations through an intelligence-led security strategy. Oversee the Westpac Incident Response Centre and manage protective security frameworks, executive protection, and crisis coordination.