Operational Risk Advisor (Hyrbid - See Job Description for Listed Locations)

Operational Risk Management

This position is responsible for the delivery of second line risk management services in line with relevant policies, industry standards, and management expectations to key personnel in the businesses / functions that it supports. The position is responsible for providing operational risk oversight for the businesses / functions that it supports and is expected to do so in a collaborative manner, with other risk partners, as applicable. The position is responsible for supporting the evolving risk management environment and influencing both internal and external personnel relating to the evolution of such changes. The position requires the ability to function with a level of independence in the oversight and / or execution of the following activities, in a manner that adheres to the expectations of the operational risk management framework, as it evolves, and the expectations of key stakeholders, up to and including the Board : identification, assessment, quantification, documentation, escalation, reporting, and communication of unmitigated risks within the business. The position requires understanding of the business or functions it supports. The position requires the establishment of internal and external relationships with key personnel to remain apprised of changes in the business, emerging risks, and changes to the operational / regulatory landscape, and consideration of cost beneficial operational risk management opportunities for the business. The position may have indirect responsibility over members within the team, who will develop their skill sets under the guidance or direction of this individual.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Develop and produce complex and ad hoc departmental reports, spreadsheet and project work related to various risk disciplines.
• Independently evaluate key processes for the effective and efficient mitigation of operational risk. Identify gaps or deficiencies and ensure remediation activities address the risk. Escalate through the governance structure up to and including senior management / governance committees, as appropriate.
• In risk-based and collaborative manner, assess business implementation of program elements of the risk management framework and the extent to which they accurately reflect the operational risk environment. Lead initiatives to analyze various elements of said framework and provide guidance to analysts and specialists.
• With levels of oversight and guidance, prepare and support appropriately detailed reports / presentations for / to management relating to and providing opinions on, the state of and / or concerns with the operational risk environment of the business function.
• Provide subject matter expertise, oversight and challenge to evaluate new and changing products and services so that key risks are appropriately identified and mitigated, and residual risk is appropriately defined. Coordinate applicable governance activities.
• Effectively communicate with others throughout the Bank, including senior management, to obtain information necessary for the completion of reporting, project information and issue resolution.
• Prepare and present materials / presentations to senior managers.
• With minimal oversight, serve as an active liaison to assigned business units (BUs). Have working relationships with line management and key personnel to ensure two-way communication on issues and concerns. Escalate significant and / or unresolved risk-related matters to management.
• Work collaboratively with leadership across the business, first line risk and other second line risk partners, to develop value-added process improvements, resolve risk issues, and enhance reporting and / or information necessary to assess risk.
• As appropriate, participate in development and review of department job-aids
• Interact with external peers and members of professional organizations to remain aware of changing or emerging risks and proactively bring key information to team for inclusion / consideration in continuous monitoring and / or other oversight activities. Discern, formalize and socialize the impact, likelihood and root cause of risk events and / or violations of policy.
• Meet training requirements assigned by the Bank, Division and Department through self-management of appropriate, applicable, cost-effective training opportunities. Proactively pursue knowledge of new bank initiatives (i.e. Agile project management methodology). Limited travel may be required for infrequent seminars and conferences.
• Lead and / or support efforts to develop and improve training materials utilized by the department and / or the Bank and provide training as appropriate.
• Support levels of change internally within the department or externally within the Bank, in a positive manner. Develop solutions to issues independently and adjust as new information becomes available.
• Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of audit recommendations together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Specific to Posting :

Operational Risk - Commercial : Provides effective oversight and challenge of identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation, and reporting of all significant risks within the Commercial Banking Division.

Supervisory / Managerial Responsibilities :

No direct management but may provide guidance to analysts and specialists.

Education and Experience Required :

Bachelor's degree and six years' experience in compliance, legal, audit, risk, or other relevant function, OR in lieu of degree, a combined minimum ten years' higher education and / or work experience including six years' experience in compliance, legal, audit, risk or other relevant function. Proficient computer skills (including spreadsheet and word processing software), analytical skills, working knowledge of applicable laws, written and verbal communications w / all levels.

Experience Preferred :

Experience in an operational risk management role overseeing commercial / business lending.

Working knowledge of enterprise governance, risk, and compliance platforms e.g. Archer, SAI 360, etc. Experience producing risk reporting is preferred but not required.

Expertise in operational risk management program elements such as risk control self-assessment, control testing, issue management, and risk event reporting.

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $97,869.52 - $163,115.87 Annual (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location : Buffalo, New York, United States of America