Head of Protective Security

Create your best future and join Westpac as Head of Protective Security

Whats the role

As Head of Protective Security you will lead and evolve Westpacs enterprise-wide approach to safeguarding our people assets and operations. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for shaping a practical intelligence-led security strategy that responds to real-world threat environments while operating effectively within a complex highly regulated organisation.

You will set clear direction across protective security strengthening frameworks policies standardsgovernance and operational response capabilities to ensure risksboth perceived and emergingare understood assessed and proactively managed. A key part of the remit is leading the Westpac Incident Response Centre ensuring effective monitoring triage and coordination of incidents across the Group.

This role requires someone who can bridge operational threat expertise with corporate executionbringing credibility in real-world risk environments while translating this into clear actionable advice for senior business leaders. You will partner closely with stakeholders across the organisation influencing decisions at the executive level and embedding a strong security and risk culture.

You will also oversee:

• Enterprise protective security frameworks policies and standards
• Executive protection travel and event security
• Crisis management and incident coordination
• Delivery of clear insight-led reporting to senior leadership

Based in Sydney this role operates in a hybrid model with on-call responsiveness required during critical incidents or events where leadership and coordination are essential.

What do I need

Background & Experience

• Strong foundational experience in law enforcement military intelligence or government agencies (e.g. ASIO DFAT) or equivalent real-world threat environments
• Demonstrated transition into large complex corporate environments (ideally ASX-listed or equivalent)
• Minimum 10 years experience operating within structured high-governance organisations

Capability & Expertise

• Deep understanding of physical security risk threat identification and response
• Proven ability to provide credible practical security advice across a wide range of scenarios (including non-standard or ambiguous risks)
• Experience operating in or alongside regulated environments such as financial services or critical infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of security risk frameworks and incident response practices (e.g. ISO 31000 HB 167)

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Experience leading teams and operating as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders
• Ability to translate complex threat landscapes into clear business decisions and actions
• Proven experience influencing across diverse stakeholder groups in large organisations

What will set you apart

• Ability to seamlessly blend operational security expertise with corporate governance and risk management
• Experience navigating complex enterprise-level environments with competing priorities
• Strong commercial judgement and calm decision-making under pressure

Why join us

Were committed to becoming our customers #1 banking partner for lifeand were equally committed to building a workplace where our people can thrive.

Some of the ways we support you:

• Competitive remuneration and employee benefits including discounted banking products
• Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing leave options
• Tailored learning and development opportunities
• Opportunities to give back through community and volunteering initiatives

Create your future today

Click APPLY NOW to get started.

Were committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including veterans Indigenous Australians and the neurodiverse community.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process please visit our accessibility page for more information.