Senior Manager - Risk & Compliance

Fidelity Life is New Zealand’s largest locally owned and operated life insurer. For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to safeguarding the financial futures of New Zealanders. Our customer-first approach is at the heart of everything we do, and we continuously innovate using smart technology and data to deliver tailored life insurance solutions. As a trusted leader in the industry, we’re committed to providing financial literacy and empowering our customers to make informed decisions. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Manager – Risk & Compliance to help us strengthen our risk management capabilities and support the long-term success of our business. Role Overview: As Senior Manager – Risk & Compliance, you will play a critical role in driving the design, implementation, and maintenance of Fidelity Life’s Risk Management Framework (RMF). Reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer, you will be the technical expert on all aspects of risk and compliance. You will ensure that our policies, processes, and systems meet regulatory requirements and align with the strategic goals of the business as well as capturing emerging risks relating to technology and AI. You will work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to foster a strong risk culture and ensure the business operates in a compliant and efficient manner.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Risk & Compliance Framework Management: • Maintain and enhance Fidelity Life’s Risk Management and Compliance Framework across all lines of defence, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and business needs. • Develop and implement policies, processes, and controls to support the effective operation of the RMF and fulfilment of business objectives. • Work closely with the Risk & Legal teams to ensure comprehensive control testing and timely reporting of risk management artefacts. • Build and maintain a risk library and ensure risk management artefacts are communicated effectively to both internal and external stakeholders.
2. Capability Development: • Lead post-incident reviews (PIRs) to identify control gaps and implement corrective actions to strengthen the overall risk management environment. • Drive the development of Fidelity Life’s risk management and compliance capability, including improving the operating model, roles, and accountabilities. • Collaborate with the Risk Leadership Team to continuously uplift the organisation’s risk management culture and ensure a clear alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
3. Training and Risk Culture Development: • Design and deliver induction and refresher risk and compliance training to ensure the wider business understands and adheres to risk management best practices. • Foster a positive and pragmatic risk culture, promoting a shared understanding of risk ownership throughout the organisation. • Engage with internal and external stakeholders to build strong, collaborative relationships that drive risk awareness and accountability.

Desired Skills and Experience

What We’re Looking For: We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager – Risk & Compliance with a strong technical understanding of risk management in regulated environments, particularly within the financial services sector and with a strong understanding of technology and AI risks. The ideal candidate will have:

1. 5-7 years of experience in a similar risk management or compliance role, preferably within the financial services or insurance industry.
2. Proven expertise in developing and maintaining risk management frameworks, policies, and compliance systems.
3. Strong understanding of technology risk management, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks related to IT systems, AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
4. Strong commercial acumen and the ability to integrate risk management practices with business objectives.
5. Experience working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to influence outcomes and deliver risk solutions.
6. Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to foster a positive risk culture and promote risk ownership across the organisation.
7. A strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk management best practices.
8. A relevant qualification in risk management or compliance (e.g., an IRM certification) is desirable.

Apply Now: If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of risk management at Fidelity Life, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and cover letter today! Fidelity Life is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr