Operational Risk Senior Advisor - Commercial (Hybrid - See Possible Locations in Description)

*** Work Arrangement/Location: This is a hybrid position requiring in-office work three days every week and will be based at an M&T Bank office in Buffalo, NY, Bridgeport, CT, NYC, NY, Wilmington, DE, or Baltimore, MD.

Overview:

This position is specific for Operational Risk– Commercial provides effective oversight and challenge of the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation, and reporting of all significant risks within the Commercial Bank.  The Sr. Advisor is responsible for the delivery of second line risk management services in line with area policies, industry standards, and management expectations.  The position is responsible for advising senior and executive leadership as it relates to operational risk of the businesses/functions that is supports with appropriate consideration for the audience and is expected to do so in a collaborative manner, with other risk partners, as applicable.  The position will be responsible for supporting the evolving landscape of the risk management environment and be able to positively influence both internal and external personnel with the evolution of such changes.  The position requires the ability to function autonomously in the oversight and/or execution of one or more 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 individual is considered a subject matter expert in the businesses or functions that they support.   Given its responsibilities, the position requires the establishment of relationships with senior level personnel to remain apprised of changes in the business, and to communicate and present emerging risks, changes to the regulatory landscape, and consideration of cost beneficial 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 the area's management of key processes for the effective and efficient mitigation of operational risk.  
• In a risk-based and collaborative manner, ensure underlying elements of the risk management framework accurately reflect the operational risk environment.  Identify gaps or deficiencies and ensure remediation plans address the risk.  Escalate through the governance structure up to and including senior management / governance committees, as appropriate.   Lead initiatives to analyze various elements of said framework.
• With minimal oversight, prepare and support appropriately detailed reports/presentations for/to senior level audiences relating to and providing opinions on, the state of and/or concerns with the operational risk environment of the business function.
• Work with the Business to evaluate all new products or changes to existing products and services to ensure key risks are appropriately identified and mitigated, and residual risk is appropriately defined.  Coordinate applicable governance activities. 
• In a risk-based manner, assess and work with the business to incorporate high risk testing scenarios into first line of defense testing, as appropriate.  Independently review and assesses the business testing output, making recommendations as applicable.
• Effectively communicate with others throughout the Bank, including senior management, via phone, email or in person to obtain information necessary for the completion of reporting, project information and issue resolution.
• Prepare and present materials/presentations to senior managers.
• Actively participate in designated risk committees and other meetings, serving as the second line of defense representative in any discussions.  Ensure the communication of relevant concerns or positions taken to appropriate management. 
• With minimal oversight, serve as a liaison and trusted partner of the business with well-established relationships.   Able to readily discuss and address issues or concerns.  Escalate significant and/or unresolved risk-related matters to Department management.
• Work collaboratively with Senior Managers within the Risk Division and Bank, first line risk and other second line risk partners, to develop and influence value-added process improvements, resolve risk issues, enhance reporting and/or information necessary to assess risk.
• With minimal oversight, draft/document and/or review departmental procedures and other documentation to demonstrate the process. In addition, develop training materials to be leveraged by those within the department or the Bank.
• 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 issues and/or violations of policy.
• Determine appropriate adjustments to processes and supporting procedures to ensure they address the risk in a cost-effective manner.  
• Effectively assess both impact and likelihood in using a high level of discretion when determining the appropriate approach to resolving complex issues and matters that require resolution.
• 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.
• Provide guidance and direction to others regarding various matters, which may include the data necessary for the construction of simple quantification methods, predictive statistical models or other items intended to enhance risk reporting.
• Support levels of change internally within the department or externally within the Bank, in a positive manner. Develop solutions to complex issues based upon limited information and direction. The need for and pace of change may be dynamic and frequent.
• 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.

Supervisory/ Managerial Responsibilities:

No direct management but may provide guidance to risk advisors, specialists, and/or analysts.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical business discipline (e.g., Finance, Accounting or Economics) and minimum of nine years’ experience in a risk oversight position OR in lieu of degree, a combined thirteen years' work experience and/or higher education with a minimum of three years' experience in risk management specific to Commercial Banking.
• Experience in a Commercial lending or treasury management risk oversight role (Audit, 1st line risk, 2nd line risk).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across lines of defense.
• Ability to communicate concepts/theories and develop alternative recommendations.
• Ability to make effective presentations to all levels of the organization.
• Ability to build consensus and move projects forward despite roadblocks and competing functional priorities.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Experience with implementation and oversight of Operational Risk Management programs and policies.

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M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $115,703.73 - $192,839.55 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

LocationBuffalo, New York, United States of America