Head of Risk - 12-Month Fixed Term Contract

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Group Risk Manager, this leadership role is responsible for heading the enterprise-wide second line risk function for NZ Post. The primary focus is to uphold an effective Line 2 risk function by establishing and evolving risk frameworks that provide independent oversight, insightful challenge, and support informed decision-making throughout the organization.

Leading a dedicated team of four professionals, the Head of Risk will play a vital role in enhancing the organization’s risk maturity and fostering a constructive risk culture. Providing clear and actionable risk reports to senior leadership and the Board Risk Committee is also a key component of this position. This broad leadership role encompasses governance of risk, compliance, and policy frameworks, involving close collaboration with business stakeholders to ensure that risks are well-understood, appropriately managed, and escalated when necessary.

In alignment with NZ Post’s drive to mature its risk management capabilities, the role involves building organizational capacity and aiding leaders to develop comprehensive risk profiles and effective risk processes. While maintaining an independent second line perspective, this position will approach risk management pragmatically and cooperatively to embed strong risk practices across the business.

Key Duties

• Provide leadership and nurture development of a high-performing second line risk team.
• Maintain and progressively enhance NZ Post’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
• Offer independent evaluation of first line risk management approaches and framework adherence.
• Deliver insightful risk reports to executive leaders and the Board Risk Committee.
• Give unbiased risk guidance on major projects, investments, and strategic ventures.
• Collaborate with leadership to uplift risk maturity, assisting teams in identifying, evaluating, and articulating their risk portfolios.
• Manage the policy governance framework and advise policy owners across the organization.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic, commercially aware risk leader who thrives on guiding businesses towards well-informed decisions while sustaining sound risk management practices. Experience handling complex enterprise environments is essential, alongside strong leadership skills and the ability to deliver constructive challenge and independent oversight effectively.

Experience & Qualifications

• A minimum of five years’ experience, including leadership roles within second line risk functions.
• Proven ability operating at an enterprise level within multifaceted organizations.
• Track record of cultivating and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen balancing risk and business performance successfully.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities with proven experience in challenge and negotiation.
• In-depth understanding of strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risk disciplines.

Additional Information

Location: Auckland or Wellington with hybrid working arrangements available. This is a fixed term, 12-month parental leave cover contract.

Applications close on Sunday 26 July 2026. Selected candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in New Zealand and will undergo security screening, reference checks and potentially credit and drug tests as part of the vetting process. NZ Post fosters an inclusive culture and is proud to be a Gold Supporter of Pride Pledge, emphasizing diversity and authenticity at work.