Risk & Assurance Specialist

About Southern Cross Health Insurance

Southern Cross Health Insurance is dedicated to fostering a healthier New Zealand, with a mission to empower members to maintain well-being for longer. As a member-focused, New Zealand-owned organisation, it prioritises providing dependable access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and influencing positive systemic health changes. The company values its people, offering a supportive environment that encourages growth and impact.

Role Overview

The position of Risk & Assurance Specialist involves delivering independent second-line assurance and risk management services across the organisation. You will help leadership confidently understand and address their most critical risks by combining hands-on assurance experience with enterprise risk management, governance oversight, and stewardship of risk frameworks, tools, and reporting. This multifaceted role collaborates across departments to provide insightful advice, constructive challenges, and trusted guidance that supports better risk outcomes, facilitates improved decision-making, and establishes long-term risk management capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver independent second-line assurance on the adequacy of risk management, controls, governance, and compliance systems, focusing on the organisation's most significant risks and regulatory commitments.
• Assess both design and operational effectiveness of controls, alongside evaluation of the overall control environment.
• Recognise emerging risks, systemic problems, and chances to enhance controls and risk management.
• Oversee incident management, issues resolution, and remediation efforts to ensure corrective actions target root causes and yield sustainable results.
• Maintain and improve risk frameworks, methodologies, systems, and reporting mechanisms.
• Provide clear and actionable insights to support leadership and governance decisions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop risk literacy, foster a strong risk culture, and increase control efficiency, leveraging risk data and analytic tools.

Candidate Profile

• At least five years' experience in risk management, internal audit, assurance, compliance, or risk advisory roles.
• Professional background in financial services, insurance, banking, or other regulated industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating control designs and operational efficacy, particularly from a second-line assurance viewpoint.
• Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise risk management principles, governance structures, and the Three Lines of Defence model.
• Familiarity with risk frameworks, compliance obligations, and assurance practices.
• Strong analytical competencies, including root cause investigation techniques.
• Experience utilizing risk-related software, reporting tools, data analysis, and analytics platforms.

Why Work With Us

Join a diverse, sincere, and supportive team committed to authenticity and care. The organisation champions a healthy work-life balance, professional development, and personal wellbeing. Employee benefits include:

• Five days of wellbeing leave annually (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Health insurance covering employees and immediate family
• Life insurance and discounts on pet and travel insurance
• Additional parental leave and financial wellbeing assistance
• Participation in workplace wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid options and the purchase of flexible leave
• Volunteering days to support community involvement

The company supports inclusion and belonging through initiatives like the Pride Pledge and active Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion forums, including various cultural and support networks.

If you are passionate about contributing to these values and making an impact, this is a great opportunity to join our team.