Associate Director/Director, ESG Advisory
Permanent Full-time role
Based in Auckland OR Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton
The ESG Advisory Team centralises ESG expertise, providing training, tools and resources, and specialist support across IBB, with a strong focus on corporate and institutional bankers and their customers.
The role involves working alongside the customer-facing bankers and analysts, Credit, Sustainability, Transformation Office, Learning and Development, other Risk teams and WBC divisions to lead risk management, and capability uplift required to maintain WNZL’s position as ESG leaders.
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
Reporting to the Head of ESG Advisory, you will support WNZL in responding to new regulations and evolving customer expectations to deliver on other ESG-related commitments and leadership ambitions. Recognising the increasing financial risks arising from a disorderly transition as well as societal impacts and expectations, WNZL seeks to establish and evolve a risk management approach to ESG that avoids sector-level exclusions, but instead accurately assesses risks based on impact on people, planet and the bank, consider mitigating factors and accept risks where appropriate.
WNZL’s unique and holistic approach requires the development of effective risk assessment processes and an uplift in banker capability, which is led by this role.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and deliver a wide range of targeted training programmes and materials.
- Lead the development of ESG related guidance and policy, in collaboration with the relevant teams.
- As the leading subject matter expert on “all things ESG” and climate this role will be a key contributor and uplifting the management of ESG-related risks across a large portfolio exposed to a complex set of inter-connected risks.
- Support the roll out of individual credible transition plans for key customers in emissions-intensive sectors.
- Drives the integration of ESG data into the management of customer relationships and WNZL’s portfolio
- Being proactive in facilitating smooth transitions into evolving ESG-related obligations and commitments and also reactive in responding to front line requests for specialist knowledge, training or analysis
- Support key customers in addressing ESG-related challenges and leverage emerging commercial opportunities, helping our bankers to assist customers with suitable financial solutions.
- Support bankers in direct engagement with customers on ESG-related matters and develop appropriate collateral, including for ‘value add’ engagements for customers on their ESG and sustainability journey.
- Lead the uplift of relevant ESG-related policies, processes and reporting.
Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?
- An appropriate tertiary qualification combined with a working knowledge of ESG issues (at least 5 years' experience)
- In depth understanding of credit risk and interconnection with ESG
- In depth knowledge of the financial services industry, including working knowledge of key banking metrics and measurements (at least 8 years’ experience)
- Understanding of banking policies and processes, including experience in change and transformation
- Strong knowledge of climate change and other critical ESG issues relevant for key sectors of the New Zealand economy, including manufacturing, energy/utilities, commercial property, transport and the primary industries
- Awareness of existing and incoming regulatory frameworks in NZ and globally, particularly on emissions pricing, climate risk disclosure and modern slavery
- A passion for assisting different industry sectors to meet the future challenges such as emissions and the ESG
- Strong passion for sustainability, in particular meaningful action on climate change and protection/enhancement of the natural environment
- Ability to develop insights and expertise in complex areas
- Ability to transfer ESG and Sustainability concepts into the context of frontline banking
- Ability to engage a wide range of customers as well as internal and external stakeholders
Westpac Hei Wāhi Mahi | Working at Westpac
In addition to immersing yourself in a supportive team environment, you'll receive some great job perks and benefits including:
- 4 weeks standard holiday + 5 additional days of wellbeing leave to support you to be your best
- Additional purchased leave options up to 4 weeks per year
- Banking benefits, insurance discounts and superannuation scheme
- Growth and development – we provide opportunities for development and promote internal mobility
- Recognition - we recognise and reward our star performers
- School holiday subsidy - help you balance work and family during school holiday
- 2 Volunteer days per year
Ko mātou tēnei | Our Organisation
At Westpac, we’re working together to build a fairer and stronger New Zealand for our people, customers, and communities. For over 160 years we’ve been driven by our purpose to Create Better Futures Together.
What makes us unique are the incredible people we’re lucky enough to have walk through our doors every day. The giant ‘W’ on our building doesn’t just stand for Westpac – it says, double you. We’re a place that values, rewards and recognises individuality. Where you can be your whole self, your true self, and your best self. We’re recognised as a place where talent is developed, where passions are fuelled and where ambitions of all shapes and sizes thrive. And it all starts with you!
Tono mai ināianei! | Apply Now!
Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter.
The people of Aotearoa, New Zealand hail from many cultures and backgrounds. At Westpac New Zealand, we draw on this enormous talent pool to cultivate a team rich in ability and empowered to reach its full potential. Our aim is to be brave challengers, celebrating our differences and relentlessly advocating for our customers. It starts with us – we believe that when we care deeply and do our best for our people, they’ll do their best for our customers. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including those who are neurodiverse, have chronic health conditions or disabilities – your attitude and passion are as important to us as your experience, qualifications and capabilities.
Mahi tahi tātou, kaha ake tātou | Together Greater
Applications close:
13 March 2025
