Head of Risk Advisory, Operational Risk

Job Title

Head of Risk Advisory, Operational Risk

Job Description

About Us

Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food & agribusiness banking.  One of our key strengths lies in our people who have a deep understanding of agriculture & are committed to adding long-term value for clients.  Our commitment to our employees & clients is at the heart of everything we do.   

The Role

We have an opening for a Head of Risk Advisory to be based in Sydney.   You will play a pivotal role in strengthening & advancing operational risk capability across Rabobank ANZ. Leading a high‑performing team, you will deliver strategic insight, independent challenge, & proactive oversight to ensure operational risk is managed effectively & consistently across the bank.

Operating in the 2nd Line of Defence, you will drive the implementation & uplift of Operational Risk Management Frameworks, support compliance with APRA CPS 230, influence global standards, & embed a mature, forward‑looking risk culture. You’ll partner closely with senior executives & global risk leaders to translate regulatory expectations into practical, sustainable risk practices.

To Role Accountabilities:

Strategic Risk Leadership

• Act as a trusted 2nd Line advisor providing clear, pragmatic operational risk guidance.
• Embed the Operational Risk Framework into business processes & ensure alignment with risk appetite & regulatory requirements
• Strengthen business engagement through effective governance participation & promoting process & value‑chain thinking

Risk Oversight & Assessment
Lead oversight & challenge of risk & control assessments, ensuring high‑quality analysis & appropriate mitigation

• Monitor emerging risks, regulatory changes, & key business impacts

Incident & Issue Management

• Oversee significant incident reviews, ensuring robust root cause analysis & timely, sustainable remediation.

Assurance & Review Activities

• Drive assurance reviews to validate control effectiveness & framework adherence
• Conduct thematic & scenario-based reviews to identify vulnerabilities & uplift risk maturity.
• Support internal audit & regulatory engagements through strong documentation & evidence‑based risk practices.

About You:

You are an influential & strategic risk leader who brings clarity, consistency¸ & forward‑thinking discipline to operational risk.  You establish & embed cohesive ways of working across your team & you deliver genuine value through practical insight, strong oversight, and a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach.

You will bring:

• 10+ years’ financial services experience, including 5+ years in senior operational risk, controls, or process engineering
• An understanding of wholesale markets, treasury, & retail banking
• A proven track record of leading, empowering & developing high‑performing teams
• Experience leveraging risk systems & data to drive insights & uplift maturity

What we're proud to offer you:

Rabo@Anywhere is our hybrid way of working at Rabobank & for Australia, that means we have a blend of time working between the office & home

Wellbeing leave. These 2 extra leave days support greater work/life balance & is just another way we are helping our employees to lead happier, healthier, & more fulfilling lives

Education Assistance Program. Rabobank values the development of its people & has a great Education Assistance Program to assist with professional development

Parental Leave that supports you & your family while giving you the freedom & flexibility to enjoy this special time (up-to 14 weeks paid leave)

Bonus and Additional Leave. We realise sometimes 4 weeks Annual Leave isn't enough! At Rabobank we provide an incentive for eligible employees to receive 1 extra week Annual Leave & an option to purchase another 2 weeks Annual Leave

Extra Insurance. Rabobank recognises that employees need to protect their financial wellbeing, in the event of serious illness, injury, or even death. Rabobank provides eligible permanent employees with employer-funded Death, TPD & Income Protection Insurance

Rabo Workplace Giving program. As part of Rabobank's global Corporate Social Responsibility, Workplace Giving aims to encourage employees to contribute to our community. Rabo Workplace Giving program matches employee donations to selected Social Partners

Our Values

Rabobank Australia values inclusion, belonging, & positive experiences for all.  Our work environment, our benefits, & the way we live our values, “Client Driven”, “Responsible”, “Professional” & “Cooperative” make it a great place to work.   We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Please let our Talent Acquisition team know if you need any accommodations to make our opportunities more accessible to you.