Executive Manager, Product & Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Executive Manager, Product & Strategy

Company: Westpac Group

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Financial Crime Operations & Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-06-05T06:00:39

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction for financial crime detection, prevention, and response across Westpac Group, integrating technology, data science, and operational capabilities.

• Drive the development and execution of a multi-year roadmap and operating model for enhancing financial crime surveillance through advanced analytics, AI, and automation.

• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of six, encompassing product management, data science, and analytics professionals.

• Influence senior leadership across risk, technology, data, and operations to secure investment and align priorities for financial crime transformation initiatives.

• Ensure robust governance and discipline are in place to translate strategic objectives into tangible, impactful delivery within a complex, regulated environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Financial Crime Surveillance, a critical function for a major banking institution like Westpac. The "Executive Manager" title, combined with "Product & Strategy," indicates a senior leadership position focused on defining the 'what' and 'why' of financial crime capabilities, rather than the day-to-day 'how' of operational execution. The emphasis on advanced analytics, AI, and automation suggests a forward-looking strategy role that will heavily influence the technological and methodological advancements in financial crime prevention. This is a strategic operations and product leadership role, requiring a blend of domain expertise, strategic vision, and team leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the overarching product strategy and multi-year roadmap for financial crime surveillance, aligning with Westpac's business objectives and regulatory obligations.

• Design and implement an optimal operating model that fosters seamless collaboration between Product, Data Science, Analytics, Technology, and Risk domains.

• Champion the adoption of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial crime detection and prevention mechanisms.

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring they are executed on time, within scope, and achieve defined business outcomes and ROI.

• Partner closely with senior stakeholders to influence strategic decisions, secure necessary resources, and drive consensus on financial crime priorities and investment.

• Develop and maintain strong governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations (e.g., AML, CTF, KYC, Sanctions) and internal policies.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of product managers, data scientists, and analysts, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and high performance.

• Utilize data, operational insights, and market trends to identify opportunities for process optimization, efficiency gains, and improved customer outcomes within financial crime operations.

• Represent the Financial Crime Surveillance function in broader strategic discussions and cross-functional forums, advocating for necessary capabilities and investments.

• Stay abreast of emerging financial crime threats, regulatory changes, and technological advancements to ensure Westpac's surveillance capabilities remain cutting-edge and resilient.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic product definition and operational execution oversight. The role requires bridging the gap between high-level strategy and tangible delivery, making it central to Westpac's financial crime transformation. The emphasis on "shaping a clear operating model" and "building the governance and discipline that turns strategy into delivery" underscores the importance of process and execution excellence in this senior role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business, Finance, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, CISSP) would be advantageous. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in product management, strategy, or leadership roles within complex, regulated industries, preferably financial services.

• Demonstrated experience in shaping and executing strategic roadmaps for technology-driven solutions in a corporate environment.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Management: Proven ability to define, articulate, and execute product strategies, including roadmap development, feature prioritization, and go-to-market planning.

• Financial Crime Risk Expertise: Deep understanding of financial crime typologies (fraud, scams, AML, CTF, KYC, sanctions) and the practical application of controls and detection mechanisms.

• Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership capabilities with experience in building, mentoring, and motivating diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Confidence and skill in partnering with and influencing senior executives across Risk, Technology, Data, and Operations to drive alignment and investment.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficient in leveraging data, analytics, and operational insights to inform strategy, improve detection capabilities, and drive efficiency.

• Advanced Analytics & AI/Automation: Understanding of how to apply advanced analytics, AI, and automation to enhance operational processes and outcomes.

• Operating Model Design: Experience in designing and implementing effective operating models that optimize cross-functional collaboration and workflow efficiency.

• Governance & Risk Management: Familiarity with establishing robust governance frameworks and ensuring compliance in regulated environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Agile methodologies and product development lifecycles.

• Familiarity with financial crime surveillance technologies and platforms.

• Experience in large-scale transformation programs within the banking sector.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to various audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, deep domain knowledge in financial crime, and strong leadership/influencing capabilities. The preference for experience in regulated environments and with advanced analytics/AI/automation highlights the critical nature of this role in modernizing Westpac's financial crime defenses.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Roadmap Examples: Showcase examples of strategic roadmaps developed for complex product areas, demonstrating clear objectives, key initiatives, timelines, and expected outcomes.

• Operating Model Designs: Present case studies or documentation outlining the design and implementation of cross-functional operating models, highlighting improvements in collaboration, efficiency, or delivery speed.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Provide detailed examples of how data, analytics, or automation were leveraged to improve specific financial crime detection processes, reduce false positives, or enhance operational efficiency. Quantify the impact with metrics.

• Delivery Impact Documentation: Document instances where strategic initiatives were successfully translated into delivery, demonstrating on-time execution, achievement of KPIs, and tangible business value creation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing and documenting complex workflows, particularly those related to financial crime detection, investigation, or regulatory reporting, with a focus on identifying bottlenecks and proposing optimization strategies.

• System Implementation & Integration: Examples of contributing to or leading the implementation of new systems or technologies that support financial crime surveillance, including considerations for integration with existing tech stacks and operational processes.

• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Documentation of frameworks or dashboards created to measure the performance of financial crime operations, including key metrics, reporting cadence, and analysis of trends to inform strategic adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this executive level, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating strategic impact and execution capability. The focus should be on strategic planning, operating model design, and the quantifiable results of implementing advanced analytics and automation within a regulated context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for an Executive Manager, Product & Strategy in Sydney, Australia, with 10+ years of experience and specialized financial crime expertise, typically falls within the range of AUD $200,000 to $300,000 per annum, potentially higher with bonuses and incentives depending on performance and specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Banking Product Offers: Includes special offers on various banking products.

• Employee-Exclusive Mortgage Rates: Significant financial benefit for employees.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options to support work-life balance.

• Generous Leave Options: Including Culture, Lifestyle, and Wellbeing leave, in addition to standard entitlements.

• Tailored Learning & Development: Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within Westpac.

• Community Engagement: Paid opportunities to volunteer and contribute to community initiatives.

• Performance-Based Bonuses/Incentives: Potential for additional compensation tied to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Hybrid work arrangement requiring a minimum of three days in the office per week.

• Occasional travel may be required for team and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for executive-level roles in financial services in Sydney, Australia, considering the specialized nature of financial crime and product strategy. Westpac is a major financial institution, and its benefits package is expected to be competitive and comprehensive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Banking and Financial Services. Westpac Group is one of Australia's "Big Four" banks, operating in a highly regulated and competitive market. This industry context demands a strong focus on risk management, compliance, customer trust, and operational efficiency.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Westpac Group is a major financial institution with tens of thousands of employees globally). This size implies complex organizational structures, extensive resources, and a significant impact on the Australian economy and financial system.

Founded: 1817. Westpac has a long and established history, indicating a stable yet evolving organization that has navigated numerous economic cycles and technological shifts. This heritage often translates to a culture that values tradition while embracing innovation for future relevance.

Team Structure:

• Financial Crime Surveillance: The role is within this specific division, indicating a dedicated focus on combating financial crime.

• Leadership Team: The Executive Manager will lead a team of six, comprising Product Management, Data Science, and Analytics specialists, suggesting a multidisciplinary approach to financial crime strategy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close partnerships with senior leaders across Risk Management, Technology, Data Science, and broader Operations teams, emphasizing a matrixed and collaborative organizational dynamic.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on using data, analytics, and AI to inform strategic decisions and improve detection capabilities.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Implied through the need for a "multi-year roadmap" and "continuous improvement," suggesting a move towards agile principles in strategy execution.

• Risk-Based Approach: Core to financial crime operations, ensuring resources are focused on the highest-risk areas and threats.

• Customer-Centricity: Stated goal of "safer outcomes for customers" and becoming the "customers' #1 banking partner for life."

Company Website: https://www.westpac.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Westpac's long history and position as a major bank mean the culture likely balances established processes with a drive for modernization, particularly in critical areas like financial crime. The emphasis on "safer outcomes for customers" and "customer's #1 banking partner" highlights a customer-centric approach that should be reflected in operational strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position (Executive Manager) within the Product & Strategy domain of Financial Crime. It signifies a strategic role responsible for defining the future direction and capabilities of financial crime surveillance, rather than solely managing day-to-day operations. The scope is group-wide, impacting the entire organization's approach to financial crime.

Reporting Structure: The Executive Manager will likely report to a General Manager or Head of Financial Crime Surveillance, or a related senior executive within the Risk or Compliance functions. They will manage a team of six, acting as a key leader within the broader Financial Crime division.

Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on Westpac's ability to mitigate financial crime risks, protect its customers, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard its reputation. Strategic decisions made here directly influence operational efficiency, technological investment, and the effectiveness of fraud and AML/CTF controls, ultimately contributing to the bank's financial health and customer trust.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to more senior leadership roles within Financial Crime, Risk Management, or even broader operational leadership within the bank.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in financial crime technology, AI applications in risk, or product strategy within the financial services sector.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Possibility to move into roles that oversee broader areas of risk, compliance, or digital transformation, leveraging the strategic and stakeholder management skills developed here.

• Industry Influence: Opportunities to represent Westpac at industry forums, contribute to best practices, and influence the broader landscape of financial crime prevention.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for operations professionals looking to move into strategic product leadership within a critical domain. The growth path is clearly defined towards higher levels of executive influence and strategic responsibility within the financial sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This involves a blend of remote work and in-office presence.

Office Location(s): Sydney is preferred, with Melbourne also considered. This indicates major operational hubs for Westpac Group. The requirement to be in the office a minimum of three days a week suggests a focus on collaborative work, team building, and strategic alignment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on travel for engagement sessions point to a work environment that values in-person interaction for strategic planning, team cohesion, and key stakeholder management.

• Technology-Enabled: As a financial institution, Westpac likely provides robust IT infrastructure, including access to advanced analytics platforms, collaboration tools, and secure communication channels necessary for managing sensitive financial crime data and strategies.

• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face interaction with the direct team (Product, Data Science, Analytics) and key stakeholders across different departments is expected, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time role, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid arrangement with a minimum of three days in the office.

• Flexibility is offered through the hybrid model and various leave options, supporting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests Westpac is adapting to modern work trends while retaining the benefits of in-person collaboration for strategic and team-focused activities. The Sydney/Melbourne location requirement is typical for major corporate roles in Australia.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct a preliminary assessment based on the CV and alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to assess strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, financial crime domain knowledge, and fit with the team's objectives. Portfolio examples may be requested here.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Risk, Technology, Data Science, and Operations to evaluate collaboration style, influencing skills, and ability to drive cross-functional initiatives.

• Executive/Panel Interview: A final interview, possibly with a senior executive, to assess strategic vision, leadership presence, and overall suitability for the Executive Manager role. This may involve a presentation based on a provided case study or portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact Focus: Showcase how your strategies and initiatives have led to measurable improvements in financial crime detection, prevention, efficiency, or risk reduction. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, present concrete metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your work. This includes ROI, reduction in false positives, improvement in detection rates, cost savings, or enhanced customer experience.

• Operating Model & Process Design: Clearly articulate your role in designing or optimizing operating models and key workflows. Highlight how you fostered collaboration and streamlined processes.

• Leadership & Influence: Provide examples of how you've led teams, influenced senior stakeholders, and navigated complex organizational dynamics to achieve strategic goals.

• Tailor to Westpac: Research Westpac's current financial crime challenges and strategic priorities. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your experience directly addresses these needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared for a case study that requires you to outline a strategic approach to a specific financial crime challenge (e.g., emerging scam trends, improving AML alert effectiveness). Focus on your methodology, data utilization, team management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Operating Model Design Exercise: You might be asked to propose elements of an operating model for a new financial crime capability or to improve an existing one.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting complex strategies and data clearly and concisely. Focus on storytelling and conveying the 'so what' of your initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic leadership, domain expertise, and interpersonal skills critical for a senior role. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates tangible achievements in product strategy, operational improvement, and stakeholder management will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM & Case Management Systems: While not directly managed, understanding the workflows and data outputs from systems used in financial crime investigation (e.g., specialized fraud detection platforms, AML case management systems) is crucial.

• Project & Portfolio Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or similar for tracking strategic initiatives, roadmaps, and team progress.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) or Google Workspace for daily communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for understanding and presenting data insights derived from financial crime analytics.

• Advanced Analytics Platforms: Exposure to or understanding of platforms used for data manipulation and analysis, potentially including SAS, R, Python, or specialized financial crime analytics software.

• Reporting Tools: Experience with generating and interpreting reports from various financial systems and analytical platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Broad Understanding): While not directly a sales role, understanding how customer data flows through CRM systems can be relevant for customer-centric financial crime strategies.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to financial crime processes, potentially involving RPA (Robotic Process Automation) or business process automation (BPA) platforms.

• Integration Technologies (Conceptual): Understanding the importance of data flow and system integration between various financial crime and banking systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires strategic oversight rather than hands-on technical execution. However, a strong conceptual understanding of the tools and technologies used in financial crime analytics, data science, and operational workflow management is essential for effective strategy development and stakeholder communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to delivering "safer outcomes for customers" and being the "customers' #1 banking partner." This means strategies should prioritize customer protection and trust.

• Integrity & Ethics: Paramount in banking and financial crime. Operating with the highest ethical standards and ensuring compliance is non-negotiable.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to leverage advanced analytics, AI, and automation to evolve financial crime capabilities and foster "a culture of continuous improvement."

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Emphasis on building "high performing teams" and inclusive communication, essential for cross-functional success in a large organization.

• Accountability: A focus on "governance and discipline" to ensure strategies translate into delivery and create "real impact."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close collaboration with Risk, Technology, Data, and Operations teams. Success depends on building strong partnerships and influencing without direct authority.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making will heavily rely on data, analytics, and insights. A collaborative style that fosters open discussion of findings and strategic implications is key.

• Strategic Alignment: A proactive approach to ensuring alignment on financial crime priorities and investments across different business units and leadership levels.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and lessons learned across the team and with partner departments to drive collective improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Westpac, particularly in a critical function like Financial Crime, will be heavily influenced by its status as a major bank. This means a strong emphasis on compliance, risk management, and ethical conduct, intertwined with a modern drive for innovation and customer-centricity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Evolving Threats: Financial crime tactics (scams, fraud, money laundering) are constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation of detection and prevention strategies.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Implementing cutting-edge technologies like AI and advanced analytics while adhering to strict regulatory requirements and ensuring explainability.

• Data Integration and Silos: Overcoming potential data fragmentation across different banking systems to create a holistic view of financial crime risks.

• Stakeholder Alignment & Investment: Securing consistent buy-in and investment for strategic initiatives from various senior stakeholders with competing priorities.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining specialized talent in data science, AI, and financial crime within a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Analytics & AI in Finance: Deepen expertise in applying emerging technologies to complex financial crime challenges.

• Financial Crime Regulatory Landscape: Stay current with evolving global and Australian regulations impacting financial crime surveillance.

• Leadership Development: Enhance strategic leadership, executive communication, and change management skills through internal programs and external opportunities.

• Product Management for Regulated Industries: Gain specialized knowledge in product development and strategy within highly regulated environments.

• Industry Conferences & Networks: Opportunities to attend key financial crime and risk management events to network and learn from peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges in a dynamic and critical domain, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and impact. The ability to navigate these challenges will be key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a multi-year product roadmap for financial crime surveillance within a large, regulated bank like Westpac?" (Focus on methodology, stakeholder input, risk assessment, and prioritization.)

• "Describe a time you successfully influenced senior leadership to invest in a new technology or strategic initiative for risk management. What was your approach?" (Highlight influencing skills, data-driven arguments, and overcoming objections.)

• "Given the rise of sophisticated scams, outline how you would leverage data science, AI, and automation to improve detection and prevention strategies for Westpac customers." (Demonstrate understanding of current threats and technological solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Westpac, what do you see as the biggest strategic opportunities and challenges in financial crime for the bank in the next 3-5 years?" (Showcase your research and strategic foresight.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within a team responsible for critical operational functions like financial crime?" (Discuss your leadership style and team-building strategies.)

• "Westpac aims to be the customers' #1 banking partner. How would your product and strategy initiatives for financial crime contribute to this goal?" (Connect financial crime efforts to customer trust and experience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio example, clearly define the problem statement, your strategic approach, the specific actions taken (including technology/process elements), the team/stakeholders involved, and the measurable results achieved.

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Emphasize how your work translated into tangible business value, improved risk posture, enhanced operational efficiency, or better customer outcomes.

• Showcase Leadership & Collaboration: Detail your role in leading teams, influencing decisions, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve objectives.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use data, metrics, and KPIs to support your claims and demonstrate the ROI of your initiatives.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions that probe the specifics of your strategies, the challenges you faced, and the lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership acumen, deep understanding of financial crime, and the ability to drive impactful change within a complex, regulated environment. A strong portfolio is essential for substantiating claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Identify 2-3 key projects that best showcase your strategic product development, operating model design, and financial crime risk management expertise. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate quantifiable impact and your leadership role.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities aligned with product strategy, financial crime, advanced analytics, AI/automation, leadership, and stakeholder management. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio examples using the STAR method, focusing on strategic thinking, execution, and measurable outcomes relevant to Westpac's context.

• Research Westpac: Understand Westpac's business objectives, its position in the market, its stated values, and any publicly available information on its financial crime initiatives or transformation efforts.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.