The NRL's most senior female executive has quit after 15 months to take a job in the finance industry.

Suzanne Young announced on Friday she would be stepping down from the role of NRL chief operating officer next month.

Young said she would be taking a part-time role in the financial services sector and needed time to care for her ill father.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant said Young had developed strategies around the NRL's risk management and played an important role in lifting the profile of women in rugby league.