Director Enterprise Risk

Exciting new Leadership Opportunity!

Join a leading, well-capitalized regional bank recognized for its strong risk culture and commitment to sustainable growth. We are seeking an experienced risk leader to serve as a strategic second-line partner to the business and help shape the future of enterprise-wide risk management.

Title: Director ERM

Location: Buffalo, NY

Salary: $175,000 - $234,000

Responsibilities:

• Lead and evolve major components of the enterprise risk management framework, including policy development, risk identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation, and reporting processes.
• Deliver independent oversight and constructive challenge to first-line business units and control functions; identify framework gaps and drive timely remediation.
• Oversee the design, production, and continuous enhancement of risk reporting and analytics delivered to senior management, risk committees, and the Board.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary escalation point on risk matters for executive leadership and the Board.
• Represent the risk division in regulatory examinations, internal audits, and industry forums; maintain strong, proactive relationships with state and federal regulators.
• Spearhead cross-functional initiatives to automate processes, enhance data and analytics capabilities (including eGRC systems), and implement emerging risk management tools and practices.
• Identify emerging risks and industry trends; translate them into actionable insights and framework enhancements.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of risk managers and specialists; oversee staffing, performance, career development, and (if applicable) cost-center financials.
• Champion a strong risk culture and collaborate effectively with technology, compliance, legal, audit, and business-line partners.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 12 years of progressive experience in risk management, governance, regulatory relations, reporting/analytics, or related disciplines within financial services
• 16 years of combined education and relevant work experience (including at least 12 years in the areas above) in lieu of a degree
• Minimum of 7 years of proven people-leadership/managerial experience
• Advanced degree (Master’s/MBA/JD) strongly preferred
• Deep familiarity with enterprise risk frameworks, three-lines-of-defense model, and current/emerging regulatory expectations (OCC, Federal Reserve, CFPB, etc.)
• Expertise in risk analytics, data governance, and eGRC platforms (Archer, ServiceNow, MetricStream, etc.)
• Proven ability to influence and communicate complex risk topics clearly and persuasively to executives and Board members
• Demonstrated success leading regulatory exams and interactions with federal/state supervisors
• Experience designing and implementing process automation and control enhancements
• Strong leadership presence, strategic mindset, and ability to drive change in a dynamic environment