Senior Leader, Credit Risk
About the role – Permanent, Full-time
A Line 2 leadership role with the opportunity to shape and strengthen credit risk management across the Bank. As the senior subject matter expert for credit risk, you will partner closely with Executive leaders, the Board and Line 1 stakeholders to influence strategic decision-making while ensuring robust risk governance and sustainable growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own and maintain the Bank's Credit Risk Management Framework, driving the effective embedding of the Three Lines model and ensuring clear ownership, accountability and management of credit risk across the organisation.
- Act as the trusted Line 2 advisor and primary authority on credit risk, providing independent oversight, specialist insight and credible challenge that directly influences portfolio strategy, lending decisions and business outcomes.
- Shape and refine the Bank's Credit Risk Appetite, ensuring strong alignment between risk settings, business strategy, growth objectives and regulatory expectations.
- Provide enterprise-wide oversight of the credit portfolio, identifying emerging risks, monitoring portfolio performance and delivering forward-looking insights that support Executive and Board decision-making.
- Lead credit risk governance, reporting and assurance activities, engaging confidently with senior leadership and Board committees as the key Line 2 voice on credit risk matters.
- Drive continuous uplift in credit risk capability, culture and frameworks, including oversight of lending decision systems, scorecards and risk management practices, while building strong partnerships across the business.
About you
This position offers the opportunity to strengthen and embed the Bank's Credit Risk Framework, influence the risk appetite, oversee portfolio performance, and drive a strong risk culture across the organisation.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
Extensive senior-level credit risk experience (min 10+ years) within banking or financial services, with deep expertise across the full credit lifecycle including credit strategy, portfolio management, lending policy, underwriting, risk appetite and portfolio oversight.
Proven ability to operate as a trusted Line 2 advisor, providing independent, credible challenge while building strong relationships and influencing senior stakeholders across the business.
Strong understanding of the Three Lines of Defence model, with experience embedding risk frameworks, governance and clear accountability for risk ownership.
Demonstrated success shaping and implementing Credit Risk Appetite frameworks, translating strategy into meaningful risk metrics, limits and decision-making outcomes.
Advanced analytical capability, with experience interpreting portfolio performance, emerging risks, stress testing results and credit risk trends to drive proactive risk management.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to present complex credit risk matters clearly and confidently to Executives, Boards and Committees.
Experience leading risk culture, capability uplift and change initiatives, driving continuous improvement across frameworks, processes, systems and people.
Location
Whilst our primary office locations are in Adelaide, Toowoomba and Brisbane, we are pleased to be able to consider applications from employees within Australia for this role. We also encourage you to put thought into how the work may be undertaken given your location and what support you may require.
Why you’ll love working with us:
People First Bank – our new brand – says exactly what we’re all about: people. We're committed to supporting and growing our team and creating an outstanding work environment.
You’ll have access to financial and lifestyle benefits to support your success and individuality:
- Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.
- Enhance your salary with discounts on banking, health insurance, and shopping across Australia.
- Advance your career with training, study support, and project opportunities.
- Competitive leave benefits that empower employees to take time for themselves and loved ones.
- Wellbeing support with our Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing leave, mental health app, and mental health ambassadors’ program.
- Make a difference with paid volunteering, Workplace Giving, and diverse community initiatives.
- Be recognised for your contributions through our peer-driven recognition program.
A bit about People First Bank:
In March 2023, People’s Choice and Heritage Bank merged to form Heritage and People’s Choice Limited - Australia's leading mutual bank. We are now on an exciting journey to bring together our products, services, and technology under a single brand - People First Bank.
We have over 700,000 members and 1,900 employees, with dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba, an Australian-based contract centre and branches across five states.
With a vision ‘To deliver positive change through banking’, People First Bank serves members and contributes to the community, while offering an inclusive, flexible work environment. We’re big enough to make an impact; but agile enough to influence and do interesting work.
Apply online now:
If this sounds like you, this could be the next step in your career. Click 'Apply' now and submit your application, including a cover letter and current resume by COB Wednesday, 8th July 2026.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and support candidate requests for adjustments to enable everyone to equitably participate in our selection process.