Head of Credit Risk

Head of Credit Risk New Zealand

Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. One of our key strengths lies in our people who have a deep understanding of agriculture and are committed to adding long-term value for clients. 

Our purpose is clear: we enable our clients to feed the world sustainably. Our commitment to our employees and customers is at the heart of everything we do.

Rabobank are currently looking for a Head of Credit Risk New Zealand, based from our Head Office in Hamilton. The Head of Credit Risk is a member of the local New Zealand Risk Leadership Team and reports hierarchically to the Chief Risk Officer NZ, and functionally to the Regional Head of Credit based in Sydney AU.

Responsibilities of the Head of Credit include:

• Leading and managing the Credit Risk function in New Zealand within the Country Banking and Wholesale portfolio. Implementing credit risk strategies, managing local credit processes and ensuring alignment of the bank’s credit risk profile with its approved credit risk appetite.
• Responsible for the bank’s adherence to any relevant regulatory lending requirements as prescribed by the RBNZ, FMA or Commerce Commission.
• IS responsibility for the local Delegated Lending Framework and environmental scanning and portfolio monitoring.
• Lead and develop the NZ Credit Risk department. Draft the annual Business Plan and obtain approval from the relevant authorities, and provide mentoring support and guidance to Credit Risk team personnel.
• Contribute, as the Credit Risk SME to the annual Credit Risk Appetite review.
• Develop strong stakeholder relationships locally, Regionally and Globally within the Credit Risk Management function.

We’re seeking a candidate who can demonstrate:

This is a senior-level specialist role which requires sound lending and credit experience. The primary role of The Head of Credit Risk NZ is to manage credit risk with oversight and responsibility for a substantial portfolio. Our ideal candidate will display;

• Extensive lending experience in a diverse lending environment.
• A strong knowledge of the banking and finance industry in regard to rural, agribusiness and agricultural industries.
• Strong technical knowledge of credit philosophies, actions and structures (particularly in an Agribusiness environment), credit management and reporting tools and a wider understanding of the importance of risk culture within a Banking environment.
• A demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop a diverse team to achieve objectives.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Economics, Accounting or related discipline.

In return we can offer you:

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values-driven organisation with an ambitious growth strategy. We have a workplace culture that our people are proud of, where we embrace inclusion and belonging and strive to deliver positive experiences for our people and clients. 

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of perks and benefits, including personal and professional development opportunities, health and wellbeing initiatives, additional leave benefits, a flexible workplace and insurance and financial benefits. 

If you are ready to make a difference in company that encourages forward-thinking and recognises success, please follow the link and apply online or visit www.rabobank.co.nz./careers. 

This role will close Friday 22nd August 2025.

It is essential that all applicants have the appropriate working rights for New Zealand.

Rabobank New Zealand fully embraces inclusion equity and belonging and delivers positive experiences for our people and clients.  Our great working conditions, broad learning and development programmes and the opportunity to work together for the greater good are reasons why our employees love working here. 

We are committed to our values; we are client focussed, action oriented, purposeful, and courageous in our work.  We are professional and considerate and bring out the best in each other and are committed to keep learning. We have an open culture, where you can be yourself and valued for who you are.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, sex/sex characteristics, gender (Inclusive of all genders), gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or other diversity characteristics not mentioned.  We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.