Senior Manager Operational Risk

• Make a real impact by strengthening how risk can support our operations and growth sustainably
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements, competitive salary, bonus, comprehensive insurance coverage, and generous leave benefits

Partners Life is one of New Zealand’s largest life and health insurance companies. As part of the Dai-ichi Life Group, a leading global insurance provider, we are writing our next chapter of growth and opportunity.

We know the industry needs bold thinkers and passionate people to help reshape the future of insurance, and that is exactly who we are looking for. We are committed to doing things differently, lifting industry standards, challenging the status quo, and delivering real value through innovation and personalised advice.

If you are looking to join a company that’s redefining the insurance landscape and backed by the strength of a global group, Partners Life is the place to grow your career and make a real impact.

About The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced

Senior Manager Operational Risk to join our high performing Risk and Compliance Team. You will play a key role in shaping and embedding a strong, pragmatic risk culture across Partners Life. In this highly influential role, you will balance governance and assurance with practical, fit‑for‑purpose solutions that genuinely work for the business.

Reporting to the General Manager Risk & Compliance, you will lead our operational risk framework and working closely with senior leaders and Line 1. You will help ensure the business operates within our risk appetite and meet regulatory obligations, while still enabling innovation and growth.

As a Senior Manager Operational Risk, you will

• Lead and enhance our Line 2 operational risk and assurance capability
• Partner closely with Line 1 to uplift risk capability, and embed best practice
• Build strong collaborative and influential relationships with senior leaders and across business units to ensure that risk management is championed and prioritised
• Lead the risk assurance programme and assurance engagements with the business
• Coach and foster a high performing Line 1 Risk & Compliance team
• Oversee the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) system
• Stay across industry best practice and drive continuous improvement across policies, controls, incident management and business continuity

About you

You are a hands-on operational risk expert with strong partnering with Line 1 to embed practical, best-practice risk management in a highly regulated financial services or insurance environment.

You are confident, resilient, and know how to influence without direct authority. You build rapport and trusted relationships quickly and are able to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders at all levels to keep risk front of mind and support great business decisions.

Attributes that will help you thrive in this role:

• 10+ years’ experience in risk and compliance within financial services
• A solid understanding of New Zealand legal and regulatory requirements
• Proven experience leading, coaching and developing a small team
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence across a range of internal and external audiences
• Resilient, with a calm and solutions-focused approach

What We Offer

At Partners Life, we believe our people are our greatest asset and are proud to invest in their growth, wellbeing, and success. Here are just some of the benefits you will enjoy as part of our family (some benefits apply to permanent employees only):

Comprehensive training and ongoing support

• Genuine career development and progression opportunities
• Participation in our discretionary bonus scheme after 12-month service
• Life insurance and income protection covers at our cost, plus discounted medical insurance (permanent employees only)
• Birthday leave and long service leave
• Maternity leave salary top up, reduced hours options, and secondary parental leave
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Modern office with a stunning view in the heart of Takapuna

Apply now!

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, APPLY online with your CV and cover letter (optional) highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

We are not engaging recruitment agencies for this role.