Job Description

Lead the transformation of Finance at one of New Zealand and Australia’s most ambitious banking groups.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, Heartland Bank Limited, this is a rare opportunity to take on a highly visible leadership role at a pivotal moment in Heartland’s growth journey.

As Head of Finance Strategy Execution, you'll be responsible for driving the delivery of the Group strategy across New Zealand and Australia, leading a portfolio of enterprise-wide transformation initiatives that shape the future of Finance at Heartland.

With major strategic priorities underway, including the potential TSB merger, increasing regulatory requirements, and our digital ambitions, this role offers an exceptional opportunity for a commercially minded, strategic finance leader to create lasting impact at scale.

This is a role for someone who enjoys operating at the intersection of strategy, transformation, governance, and execution, partnering closely with executive leaders to deliver meaningful organisational change.

Why this opportunity stands out
You will:
• Partner directly with the CFO and Finance Leadership Team on strategic priorities.
• Lead high-profile transformation programmes influencing the future direction of Finance across the Group.
• Drive initiatives spanning Finance, Treasury, Data Analytics and Procurement.
• Play a key role in one of New Zealand's most significant banking transformation environments.
• Help shape Heartland's digital evolution
• Gain exposure to complex regulatory, operational and organisational change across both New Zealand and Australia.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Transformation
• Lead the delivery of the Group Finance transformation portfolio, ensuring alignment with Heartland’s strategic objectives.
• Partner with the CFO and Finance Leadership Team to shape, refine and execute the Finance strategy and transformation roadmap.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable programmes and measurable outcomes.
Programme & Portfolio Delivery
• Provide end-to-end oversight of multiple concurrent transformation initiatives.
• Ensure programmes are effectively governed, appropriately resourced, and delivered to regulatory and business expectations.
• Coordinate Finance participation in enterprise-wide initiatives, ensuring clear ownership, accountability and delivery.
Governance, Risk & Regulatory Excellence
• Establish robust governance, reporting and performance frameworks.
• Maintain oversight of programme risks, dependencies and delivery outcomes.
• Support adherence to key regulatory and control requirements, including RBNZ, APRA, BS11 and broader risk frameworks.
Capability & Continuous Improvement
• Lead initiatives that modernise Finance, including automation, process optimisation and data-driven decision-making.
• Drive prioritisation and resource allocation across competing initiatives.
• Build organisational capability to support Heartland's future growth aspirations.
Leadership
• Lead and develop a high-performing team through a period of significant change and growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor and influential leader across the Finance function and wider business.

What will set you apart
We are looking for an accomplished transformation leader who combines strategic thinking with strong delivery capability.

Your experience
• Extensive experience leading large-scale transformation programmes within banking, financial services or other highly regulated environments.
• Proven experience operating at executive or enterprise level, influencing senior stakeholders and driving alignment across complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of finance operating models, governance, risk and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering strategic change, business transformation and operational improvement.
• Experience managing large portfolios of work across multiple streams and stakeholder groups.

Your leadership style
You’re:
• A strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and change.
• Skilled at balancing competing priorities while maintaining momentum.
• Credible and confident with Executive Leadership Teams and Boards.
• A collaborative and influential leader who brings people together around a common goal.
Key Skills
• Strategic planning and execution
• Enterprise transformation leadership
• Programme and portfolio management
• Executive stakeholder engagement and influence
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Regulatory and risk management
• Change leadership
• Resource prioritisation and optimisation
• Data and process improvement
• Team leadership and capability development

CA, CPA or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.

About Heartland
Heartland is an NZX and ASX-listed financial services group with ambitious growth plans. Through Heartland Bank New Zealand and Heartland Bank Australia, we provide award-winning savings and finance products to business owners, farmers and retirees.
Our strategy is simple: digitalise everything we do. By creating scalable, customer-focused solutions, we can deliver faster service, better experiences and stronger outcomes for our customers.

Why Join Heartland?
At Heartland, you'll find an organisation that is innovative, collaborative and continually evolving.
We offer:
• Employee banking benefits
• Comprehensive insurance package
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Inclusive employee networks and community groups
• Active social and sporting clubs
• Friday night pizzas and drink
• Parental leave entitlements

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful transformation and leave a lasting legacy across the organisation.

Ready to make an impact?
If you're a strategic finance leader who thrives on transformation, enjoys operating in complex environments, and wants to help shape the future of digital banking, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Heartland and play a defining role in the next chapter of our growth story.

Keen to learn more?
For an insight into life at Heartland, check out our Instagram @heartlandbanknz or follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/heartland-bank-nz.