Head of Operations, Strategy & Innovation

You can look forward to

We are seeking a Head of Operations, Strategy & Innovation to join our team. The role will be a permanent position reporting directly to our branch CEO. 

About the role

As the Head of Operations, Strategy & Innovation you will be responsible for working closely with the branch CEO and leadership team on delivering on its strategic ambition and optimising operational performance end to end across the business.  Responsible for driving mandates and initiatives on Strategy, Operations, Innovation and Governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Liaising with the branch CEO and Leadership team to coordinate, develop, implement, and monitor 3-year strategies, including; 
  o    organizing strategy sessions, 
  o    developing SOAP documents, 
  o    aligning metrics with Group Strategy, 
  o    reporting progress and effectiveness to local leadership. 
• Driving operational improvements by identifying opportunities to eliminate waste, duplication, and risk across all business areas.  
• Managing data quality and governance as Local Data Protection Officer, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and reporting on strategic KPIs. 
• Preparing Branch Steering Board manuals with Finance and managing general project and change initiatives, ensuring governance, prioritization, alignment with Group and effective communication and change management plans. 
• Developing and implementing innovation strategies aligned with Hannover Ruck SE and HO Group, facilitating innovative processes, products, and services for evolving client and business needs, and driving AI initiatives with the Hannover Life Re of Australasia AI working group. 
• Coordinating governance activities including collaborating with other Hannover Re entities, managing internal and external audits.
• Assessing operational risks with the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, managing third-party relationships, monitoring Modern Slavery compliance, and conducting CPS 234 Risk Assessments. 
• Supporting currency and liquidity management, implementing and monitoring investment hedging strategies with the Branch CFO.
• Maintaining Accountability Statements as per FAR requirements.
• Ensuring local policies and procedures (including BCP and CMP) are being regularly reviewed and updated with relevant stakeholders. 

You come equipped with

About You:

Experience & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in Financial Services at either locally listed or multi-national organisations
• Relevant professional qualifications including degree in either Science, Business, Finance, Economics, Law, Engineering or similar
• Experienced continuous improvement / process improvement and operational excellence professional
• Expert-level knowledge of Project and Change Management and associated methodologies, techniques, processes and approaches
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma techniques
• Budget, cost and profitability management skills
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to juggle multiple goals and deadlines in the context of the big picture
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and ability to prioritise effectively whilst managing multiple stakeholder groups
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to ‘roll up the sleeves’ and work effectively in a cohesive team within the parameters of a lean operating culture
• Ability to work within tight deadlines
• Willingness to share and pass on knowledge

• Personal Qualities:
  •    Strategic
  •    Resourceful
  •    Highly self-motivated
  •    Professional
  •    Versatile
  •    Diplomatic

It is a requirement that all applicants have unlimited rights to work in Australia i.e. must either be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency.