Risk Partner

About Southern Cross Health Insurance

Southern Cross Health Insurance is committed to enhancing health and wellbeing across New Zealand by enabling our members to enjoy longer, healthier lives. As a member-focused, New Zealand-owned organisation, we prioritize timely access to quality healthcare and advocate for healthier living and positive transformation within the health system. Our workplace culture nurtures growth, impact, and pride in meaningful contributions.

Role Overview

As a Risk Partner within Southern Cross, you will be pivotal in identifying, managing, and mitigating risks that impact nearly one million members nationwide. This role focuses on embedding robust risk management practices within business areas, enhancing risk maturity, and strengthening controls. You will collaborate closely with your designated business units to elevate risk understanding, manage risks through our Enterprise Risk Management platform, and provide insightful governance reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, control, and report business risks ensuring effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies.
• Promote risk awareness and continuously refine risk management processes and tools within your business area.
• Handle issues and incidents through the established Enterprise Risk Management system.
• Develop risk-based insights and contribute to the preparation of business and governance-level reporting.
• Participate in Risk in Change (RiC) initiatives across assigned portfolios.
• Drive ongoing improvements to advance risk maturity across functions.
• Engage confidently with senior management, offering constructive challenges and navigating diverse risk topics effectively.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of three years’ experience in operational risk and/or compliance within a line 1 or line 2 environment.
• Background in multiple financial services sectors, preferably including health or life insurance.
• Proven ability to embed risk and compliance frameworks effectively.
• Strong skills in data analysis, visual reporting, and governance or assurance documentation.
• Experience managing change in agile business contexts.
• Excellent skills in problem diagnosis, root cause analysis, and issue resolution.
• Sound knowledge of the regulatory, legal, and compliance frameworks applicable to Southern Cross.
• Outstanding communication abilities tailored to varied audiences.
• Strong relationship-building skills to quickly earn trust and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Organizational Culture & Benefits

Southern Cross values a diverse and inclusive workplace aligned with principles of respect and cultural integrity. Our team environment fosters honesty, openness, and genuine support, contributing to wellbeing and professional growth.

• Five annual wellbeing leave days.
• Health insurance coverage for employees and immediate family.
• Life insurance and discounts on pet and travel policies.
• Enhanced parental leave and financial wellbeing initiatives.
• Access to workplace wellbeing initiatives.
• Options to purchase flexible leave for education, volunteering, or caregiving.
• Opportunity for an annual volunteer day with team involvement.

Additional Information

This position is based in Auckland and is not available for remote work at present. Southern Cross strongly supports equal opportunity, including participation in employee-led diversity and inclusion networks spanning Rainbow, Māori, Pasifika, Neurodiversity, and Whānau communities.