Sr. Director, Operational Risk Management

OverviewSenior Director, Operational Risk Management role at Early Warning.Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.At Early Warning, we’ve powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle, Paze℠, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.The Senior Director, Operational Risk Management will lead business-aligned risk coverage teams within the Second Line of Defense (SLOD). This role provides independent review and challenge, as well as advisory support, across all business units and enterprise functions to ensure the company’s risk-taking aligns with its strategy, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations. The role reports to the Head of Operational Risk and is a critical member of the firm’s operational risk leadership team.ResponsibilitiesDefine and drive the business coverage team’s strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise and operational risk frameworks and regulatory standards.Establish and lead the methodology for ORM programs including the strategy and scope for second line independent control testing/validation.Provide risk insights and thought leadership to senior executives, business leaders, and governing committees.Champion a culture of accountability, transparency, and effective risk management across the enterprise.Lead teams to independently assess business units’ risk identification, mitigation, and monitoring practices, and adherence to operational risk program requirements.Challenge risk decisions where appropriate and ensure escalation protocols are robust and effective.Collaborate with other operational risk domain owners to support first-line’s understanding of risk/control requirements and to provide integrated risk management oversight on cross-risk assessments.Develop and drive periodic executive-level reporting regarding operational risk management to support decision-making and escalation regarding risks that may not be consistent with the business risk tolerance.Serve as a trusted advisor to first-line business and functional leaders, balancing strong risk oversight with enabling business objectives.Collaborate with Enterprise Risk, other ORM risk domains, Technology & Security Risk and Legal to ensure coordinated risk management practices.Provide timely and actionable feedback to strengthen first-line risk ownership and accountability.Lead, mentor, and develop a team of risk managers providing coverage across multiple lines of business and enterprise functions.Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.Ensure risk talent is developed to meet future enterprise needs.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.Minimum of 12+ years of operational risk management experience, preferably in financial services or other highly regulated industries.Proven leader with at least 5 years in a leadership role with direct reports.Strong understanding of operational risk programs (e.g., RCSA, Risk Events, Issue Management, KRIs) and risk domains (including technology, cyber, third-party, fraud/scams, and data risk).Exceptional communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present complex risk issues clearly and persuasively.Proven strategic thinker and creative problem solver with strong attention to detail and efficiency.Ability to drive change in a dynamic business environment.Strong relationship-building skills.Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills.Background and drug screen.Preferred QualificationsRisk management, internal control, or internal audit certification(s).Physical/Work EnvironmentWorking conditions are a normal office environment. Work is primarily sedentary and involves extensive computer use. May require occasional standing, walking, kneeling, and reaching. Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally. Requires visual acuity and dexterity to view, prepare, and manipulate documents and office equipment. Requires the ability to communicate with internal and/or external customers. Employee must be able to perform essential functions and physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness:Healthcare Coverage – Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans with company contributions to HSA or pre-tax savings accounts.401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 6% deferral upon eligibility.Paid Time Off – Unlimited PTO for Exempt employees, generous PTO for Non-Exempt employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day.12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.Maven Family Planning – support through parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, and related services.Early Warning is an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Early Warning Services, LLC promotes equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in accordance with all applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17