Synovus

Job Summary

The Director of Risk Operations works directly with the Chief Enterprise & Financial Risk Officer to lead risk management operations, helping ensure the overall risk management strategic, operational and financial goals and objectives are aligned with and support the corporate strategy. This role also leads, directs or coordinates new or emerging risk assessments, business unit risk oversight, GRC investments, and major projects of high importance and critical impact to the risk functions. The position promotes effective and productive working relationships between cross-functional and cross-organizational work teams; ensures strategies, change initiatives, and risk information are communicated to key stakeholders in clear and compelling ways.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as Chief of Staff to Chief Enterprise & Financial Risk Officer over full Risk Division operations, including including budgeting, talent strategies, compensation and incentive planning, performance management reporting, risk function assessments, organizational alignment, and effective internal communications (Town Halls, Division Newsletter).
• Works across Risk Management teams and all Lines of Business to develop and deploy Line of Business risk assessment methodology and mature 1st line risk management practices, governance, and reporting. Serves as consultant and advisor on 1st and 2nd line risk management roles, responsibilities, and partnerships.
• Assists with the identification and assessment of emerging risk and actively participates in new and modified risk programs. Enables strategies to strengthen risk reporting and 1st line engagement with horizontal risk programs.
• Working with ERM Senior Project Manager, leads GRC strategy and implementation team.
• May assist with some core ERM programs, such as Policy Management and Quality Control, or build new programs as bank grows.
• Develops and leverages internal and external partnerships and facilitates teamwork to maximize the achievement of business goals. Engages key stakeholders in the development, execution and evaluation of appropriate business plans and initiatives, and supports team members' efforts in these areas. Builds strong working relationships with all levels of management and team members to effectively provide insight into strategy development & execution. May provide Leadership Team with a cultural perspective of critical matters impacting the organization.
• Inspires commitment across the organization and across lines-of-defense. Develops and communicates logical, convincing justifications, including lessons learned, that build commitment and support for one's perspectives and initiatives. Ensures strategies, change initiatives, and competitive information are communicated in clear and compelling ways. Listens to, leverages, and promotes the diverse ideas, perspectives, and contributions of others across the business. Serves as an advocate for proactive planning and continuous improvement. Establishes and communicates clear goals, monitors progress, and accepts accountability, ensures leaders in own organization do the same.
• Works closely with Risk Senior Leaders in developing and executing ongoing strategic plans to further mature the enterprise risk management program. Assists with defragmenting programs, providing risk insights - both comprehensive and by risk category.
• May support various activities involved with the coordination of planning and preparing meeting agendas, strategic leadership sessions, conference calls, with inclusion & consultation of appropriate risk or business leaders. May have accountability critical aspects of deliverables and follow through.
• Each team member is expected to be aware of risk within their functional area. This includes observing all policies, procedures, laws, regulations and risk limits specific to their role. Additionally, they should raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely fashion.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Synovus is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, finance or a related discipline.

Minimum Experience:

• Ten (10)+ years related job experience in a financial institution management role in one or a combination of the following areas: Finance/ Accounting, Operations, Regulatory, Enterprise Risk or Audit management at organization of larger size, scope and complexity.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to interact on a regular basis with senior and executive level management across all lines-of-defense, requiring negotiation of difficult matters, conflicting objectives, and alternative points of view to influence policy making for the organization. Ability to present and discuss technical information in a way that establishes rapport, persuades others and promotes understanding.
• Team oriented with the ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of people across the footprint
• Broad knowledge of banking systems and processes. Working knowledge of banking and corporate regulations such as SOX, GLBA, HIPPA, FFIEC, etc. with solid understanding of applicable best practices; strong working knowledge of pertinent regulations and the regulatory community. Demonstrated aptitude with strategic thinking.
• Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to effectively deploy resources and manage multiple projects of various diverse scope in a cross-functional environment. Proficient in managing concurrent demands with proactive identification and management of issues and risks
• Highly developed skills related to interpersonal, relationship management, horizontal influence, and communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to influence others and leverage resources outside of direct control to build trust and consensus through persuasion
• ERM experience in 1rst and 2nd line at a larger banking institution ($100B +)