Programme Manager, Regulatory & Compliance

Programme Manager, Regulatory & Compliance at Heartland Bank LTD

Kia ora! Heartland Bank is seeking a seasoned Programme Manager to lead its Regulatory & Compliance Programme. This critical portfolio encompasses interdependent, high-priority initiatives designed to protect and strengthen the bank, while simultaneously building sustainable capabilities for navigating ongoing regulatory changes.

This pivotal role involves providing strategic direction, robust governance, and comprehensive delivery oversight across various internal and external partners, including business units, risk teams, technology departments, legal counsel, and external vendors. Your primary focus will be on programme outcomes, which includes setting the strategic roadmap, meticulously sequencing work, effectively managing trade-offs and interdependencies, and ensuring that potential risks are identified early, accompanied by clear options and actionable recommendations for leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Own the programme vision, strategic roadmap, and ensure a consistent governance rhythm through Steering Groups, working groups, and transparent reporting.
• Drive dependency management across multiple workstreams and diverse delivery teams, ensuring seamless integration and progress.
• Lead risk management, financial oversight, and delivery control across a complex and dynamic portfolio of initiatives.
• Influence effectively at an executive level by presenting clear, practical options and facilitating timely decisions.
• Partner efficiently with vendors and leverage large technology platforms, employing appropriate delivery methodologies such as hybrid agile and waterfall governance.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in leading multi-stream programmes, particularly in major transformation, regulatory, or risk/compliance contexts.
• Strong capabilities in governance, strategic planning, financial management, and robust risk control.
• Comfort and proficiency in operating within fast-moving, high-accountability environments characterized by non-negotiable timelines.
• Excellent stakeholder leadership skills, demonstrating the ability to align diverse priorities and maintain consistent delivery momentum.

A Bit About Us And What We Do

Heartland is an NZX/ASX-listed financial services group with ambitious growth plans, owning both Heartland Bank in New Zealand and Heartland Bank in Australia. We deliver award-winning savings and finance products to a diverse customer base, including business owners, farmers, and retirees. Heartland's core strategy is to digitalise all operations, enabling scalable customer service and passing benefits like faster service and better rates directly to our customers.

Can you see yourself here?

Heartland Bank fosters an innovative and evolving environment where teamwork and ambition thrive. We are deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that celebrates diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the wellbeing of our people. We offer genuine opportunities for continuous learning and significant career development. You can also actively contribute to change through our internal groups, including Manawa Whenua (our Māori group), the Rainbow Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and our Green Team.

Our attractive perks include comprehensive employee banking benefits, an excellent insurance package, flexible working options, participation in sports teams (touch, netball, and football), and enjoyable Friday night pizzas and drinks!

Diversity & Inclusion

At Heartland, we proudly celebrate the unique characteristics that define each individual. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are dedicated to creating an environment that enhances our understanding and ability to serve our customers. As a Living Wage Employer, a Hearing Accredited Workplace, and a Rainbow Tick certified organisation, we are committed to upholding the highest standards for our people.

Key skills/competency

• Regulatory Compliance
• Programme Management
• Risk Management
• Financial Services
• Stakeholder Management
• Governance
• Strategic Planning
• Delivery Oversight
• Agile/Waterfall Methodologies
• Digital Transformation