Head of Specialised Portfolio

A bit about us

At Judo, we’re redefining business banking for the modern era. Built on teamwork, trusted relationships and a challenger spirit, we exist to better serve Australian SMEs. What began in 2016 as a bold idea has grown into one of the fastest‑growing new banks globally, with more than 30 locations nationwide.

We put our people and customers at the heart of everything we do. Our agility means we can say ‘yes’ when others say ‘no’, delivering personalised banking that helps businesses access the funding they need, when they need it. Relationships matter here – with our customers and with each other.

Our culture – a multi‑award‑winning place to work

We firmly believe that culture eats strategy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and that the most important investment we can make is in our people. Our values of Trust, Teamwork, Accountability and Performance guide how we work every day

Judo was built from the ground up with a clear purpose: to be the most trusted SME business bank in Australia. Our customers and relationships are at the heart of how we work, not bureaucracy. We think differently, invite new ideas, and create an environment where people feel they belong and are empowered.

We’re proud to be externally recognised too – including being named on the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list for four consecutive years. We are certified as a Great Place To Work® Australia organisation, being recognised as one of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ 2025, celebrating our dedication to fostering an inclusive, empowering environment.

Our vision is to build a world-class SME business bank and it’s our people that can make it happen.

Now, about this opportunity…

Judo Bank is seeking a Head of Specialised Portfolio to lead our national Specialised Portfolio function. Reporting to the Executive Director, Relationships National, this is a frontline banking leadership role that partners closely with customers, Bankers and State leadership teams to proactively manage high-risk and early watch exposures across Australia. With national responsibility, the role will require regular interstate travel to support customers, stakeholders and teams across Judo's network.

If that excites you, this just might be your dream job:

• Lead Judo’s national Specialised Portfolio function as a frontline banking leader, driving a consistent approach to the proactive management of high-risk and early watch customers and supporting the delivery of strong customer outcomes.
• Provide leadership, coaching and direction to a team of Directors, Specialised Portfolio, fostering capability, accountability and high performance.
• Partner closely with Managing Directors, State Leaders and Regional Directors to support the early identification, escalation and management of emerging portfolio risks.
• Build strong partnerships with Credit Risk, Asset Management and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment of customer strategies, risk management practices and commercial outcomes.
• Oversee the development and execution of customer strategies that support turnaround, rehabilitation and, where appropriate, the return of early watch customers to performing status.
• Deliver national portfolio insights, trends and recommendations to senior leadership, helping shape strategic decision-making and portfolio performance.
• Drive best practice, governance and continuous improvement across specialised portfolio management, ensuring consistency in processes, frameworks and customer outcomes.
• Lead the coaching and capability uplift of Regional Directors, Bankers and Analysts to strengthen risk identification, client management and commercial judgement.
• Contribute proactively to the evolution of Judo's proposition, operating model, processes and systems.
• Embrace Judo's culture and play an active role in shaping its continued growth and evolution.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the broader economic environment and emerging market trends, translating insights into proactive portfolio strategies.

You’ll likely bring:

• 10+ years' experience in banking, credit, restructuring, asset management or commercial lending, with deep expertise in business lending across multiple industries and market segments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including leading and developing high-performing teams across multiple locations or regions.
• Strong experience managing complex, high-risk and underperforming portfolios, ideally including turnaround, restructuring, insolvency or workout environments.
• Previous experience in a customer-facing relationship leadership role at Director level or equivalent within a commercial or business banking environment.
• Deep understanding of both secured and unsecured lending structures and credit risk management principles.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance customer outcomes, portfolio performance and risk management considerations.
• Australian working rights.

Why you’ll love working at Judo:

• Two Weeks of Additional Leave Every Year
• Paid Volunteer Leave
• Our signature Judo induction experience
• Big Life Event Leave
• Holistic Health & Wellbeing Offerings designed to support your best life, including access to GPs, nutritionists, coaches and psychologists via our partner, CU Health
• Working from Home Setup Allowance
• Flare Benefits & Discounts - access to a wide range of everyday savings and perks
• Freedom to work flexibly with flexible work options including hybrid working
• Equal access to Company Paid Parental Leave – up to 20 weeks
• Education Assistance

Judo is proud to be an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and can feel that they belong. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities.

Please no agencies! We maintain a preferred panel, and kindly request no unsolicited contact. We do not hold any responsibility for dispute over candidate ownership if you have not been engaged directly. 

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