Chief Operating Officer

Be part of something bigger. Help shape the future of member-first banking.

Chief Operating Officer

Hastings

Full Time / Permanent

Closing Date 31 August 2025

About Unity

With approximately 35,000 members across Aotearoa, our mission is to help everyday Kiwis achieve a better tomorrow through our range of simple, straight-forward money solutions. We offer a range of products, helpful information, and support – from savings and loans, through to everyday banking. Our personalised services reflect our commitment to long-lasting partnerships with our members and community – that’s what a credit union is all about!

 Unity is a purpose-driven financial organisation dedicated to creating long-term value for our members, communities, and people. As we continue to grow and evolve, we're seeking a bold, strategic, and inspiring Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead a broad and critical portfolio across Lending, Credit, Collections, IT, transformation and People & Culture.


About the role

As part of Unity’s Executive Leadership Team and reporting to the Chief executive (CE), this is a rare opportunity to make an organisational wide impact. As COO, you’ll work closely with the CE and Board to translate Unity’s strategic vision into operational excellence. You’ll drive growth, transformation, and resilience while championing a values-led, people and member-centric culture.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Oversee the full lending lifecycle, credit risk strategy, and drive innovation in lending products and operations.

  • Develop ethical, data-informed recovery/collection strategies that balance performance, fairness, and risk management.

  • Shape Unity’s IT and Data strategy, ensuring secure, scalable systems that enable digital transformation, business continuity, and data integrity. Leverage data and analytics to drive insight, innovation, and improved decision-making.

  • Lead major change programmes and projects that modernise operations and create enhanced efficiencies and system improvements to create an improved member experience.

  • Champion a high-performing, inclusive culture while overseeing workforce strategy, employee experience, and compliance.

  • Inspire high-performing teams, contribute strategic insight at executive and board levels, and embody Unity’s values.

 
About you

You're an accomplished executive leader with:

  • Proven success in leading complex operational portfolios, preferably in financial services.

  • Deep expertise across lending, credit, and ideally digital transformation.

  • Strategic agility and strong commercial acumen.

  • A people-first leadership style and passion for growing high-performing teams.

  • A future-focused mindset with a drive for innovation, accountability, and sustainable impact.


How to apply

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and lead with purpose, we would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions, please contact careers@unitymoney.co.nz

 We will be screening applications as we go.

Apply now