Job Abstract

Responsible for managing the first line of defense risk management responsibilities within Community Banking in accordance with the Enterprise Risk Framework. This includes overseeing the proactive identification, accurate assessment, monitoring, and reporting of risks inherent in the operations of the department. Ensures the appropriate escalation of identified issues and the timely completion of remediation plans. Manages the risk management program, providing guidance to direct reports and managers, ensuring clarity around priorities and goals for the function, and serving as the face of the program to senior leadership, regulators, and external partners.

• Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of the first line of defense function, ensuring documentation of key processes and internal controls.
• Oversee the development, execution, and reporting of risk-based testing programs, ensuring control testing is completed in accordance with professional standards.
• Oversee reporting and escalation to management, senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and internal risk committees.
• Oversee the department’s performance with respect to established key risk indicators (KRIs) and prepare comprehensive KRI reporting.
• Ensure effective and efficient management and reporting of compliance issues and remediation plans. Develop and oversee processes for identifying and reporting risk events and losses.
• Assist with internal and external audits.
• Maintain current understanding of federal and state laws to determine relevance and provide risk guidance on applicability.
• Monitor and manage the implementation of controls in view of existing, new, and amended regulations.
• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management, and terminations.
• Adhere to applicable compliance/operational risk controls in accordance with Company or regulatory standards and policies.
• Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Position is responsible for overseeing all risk functions within Community Banking including: Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), Community Finance and Environmental Finance lines of business, Government Relations, Regional Strategy & Execution function, and the Charitable Foundation.

This includes managing processes and teams to effectively identify, measure, monitor, and mitigate all risks inherent in the department’s operations.

Responsible for a small team. 

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 9 years’ relevant work experience in risk management or compliance, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 13 years higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 9 years’ relevant work experience in risk management or compliance.

Minimum of 3 years’ managerial experience.

Experience managing complex operational and/or first-line risk functions.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.

Strong managerial and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Ability to maintain strong working relationships with senior management and business partners.

Master’s degree or MBA.

Advanced knowledge of risk analytics and relevant decision technologies.

Applicable risk certifications.