Associate Director, Scheme Partnerships

Housing Australia is the Australian Government’s independent housing delivery agency. It supports the delivery of Government programs to improve the supply of sustainable, long-term social and affordable housing, and supports home ownership for more Australians. 

Our purpose is to improve housing outcomes for Australians – so when you join us, you're not just building a career, you're building a better Australia.

About the role 

Reporting to the Director, Scheme Partnerships, the Associate Director is responsible for managing key lender relationships across Housing Australia's home ownership programs, including the 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy Scheme. The role partners closely with participating lenders to drive scheme performance, ensure operational effectiveness, and support the delivery of government-backed initiatives that improve access to home ownership. The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship management skills and a background in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), residential lending, or mortgage distribution. 

Key responsibilities 

• Build, manage and strengthen relationships with participating lenders, supporting onboarding, ongoing engagement and the effective delivery of Housing Australia's home ownership programs, including the Home Guarantee Scheme and Help to Buy Scheme. 

• Act as the primary relationship lead for a portfolio of lenders, providing strategic partnership management, leading key initiatives and supporting industry engagement across major banks, non-bank lenders and industry bodies. 

• Drive the implementation of program changes, ensuring lenders are supported to adopt new eligibility requirements, operational processes and compliance obligations. 

• Monitor lender performance, market trends and industry developments, providing insights, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and recommending improvements to enhance scheme outcomes and lender experience. 

• Lead lender communications, training and stakeholder engagement activities while collaborating with internal teams to maintain strong governance, risk management and operational effectiveness across the lender panel. 

• Mentor and support team members, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a positive, collaborative culture aligned with Housing Australia's values and risk management framework. 

Skills and experience 

• Extensive mortgage and lending experience, with proven experience in partnership management, relationship management, lender support, or a related financial services environment. LMI experience will be highly regarded. 

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and negotiate outcomes across lenders, industry bodies, and senior executives. 

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage, present and communicate effectively with C-suite stakeholders, executive audiences, and external partners. 

• Commercially minded and highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and consistently deliver outcomes to tight deadlines. 

• Collaborative and proactive team player, capable of working autonomously while contributing to a dynamic team culture. Experience in residential lending, mortgage operations or related financial services, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications, will be highly regarded. 

What We Offer 

Meaningful Impact: Contribute to Australia's housing solutions and work together with stakeholders who have a shared ambition to facilitate more housing for more Australians.  

Flexible Work: Our hybrid operating model helps support work-life integration and fosters meaningful connection and collaboration. 

Growth Opportunities: We invest in the development and wellbeing of our people to support personal and professional growth.  

Collaborative Culture: Join a purpose-driven team that works as One Team supporting each other and striving for excellence. 

We would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, with a cover letter as one document outlining your interest and suitability.  

We are an equal opportunity employer who values and celebrates diversity.  

No recruitment agencies please – we will reach out if we require any agency assistance. Thank you.