AVP Operational & Model Risk

Athene; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Athene is seeking an AVP Operational and Model Risk based in West Des Moines, Iowa. This pivotal leadership role focuses on enhancing operational and model risk management frameworks while collaborating with business leaders on risk governance and decision-making.

The ideal candidate will possess over 8 years of experience along with strong knowledge of risk frameworks and proven influence in cross-functional settings. Join us to make a significant impact in a fast-growing organization that values commitment and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in operational risk, model risk, or related disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of operational and model risk frameworks.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks.
• Oversee operational risk assessments and risk monitoring activities.
• Drive model risk governance processes and ensure audit readiness.

Skills

Operational risk management

Model risk governance

Stakeholder influence

Process improvements

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field

Job description

We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.

Purpose

The AVP Operational and Model Risk plays a critical leadership role in advancing Athene’s Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks. This role is responsible for driving consistent, high-quality execution of risk practices across the organization while partnering closely with business and functional leaders to strengthen risk identification, governance, and decision‑making. As part of Athene’s broader risk organization, and backed by the scale and capabilities of Apollo, this role offers the opportunity to influence risk strategy across a complex, fast‑growing platform. The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical risk expertise, leadership capability, and a proactive mindset to continuously enhance risk frameworks and drive meaningful business impact.

Accountabilities

• Lead the execution and continuous enhancement of Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks, ensuring consistent application across business units and alignment with risk appetite and regulatory expectations
• Oversee operational risk assessments, incident and issue management, and risk monitoring activities, identifying key themes, emerging risks, and opportunities for improved controls and mitigation
• Drive model risk governance processes, including oversight of model inventory, validation activities, and lifecycle management, ensuring robust documentation, transparency, and audit readiness
• Partner with business leaders, actuarial, and functional stakeholders to provide effective challenge, support risk‑informed decision‑making, and ensure strong adoption of risk practices
• Lead the development of clear, decision‑useful reporting and insights for senior leadership and risk governance forums, including committees and regulatory engagements
• Drive improvements to risk systems, tools, and processes, including the adoption of technology and AI‑enabled capabilities to enhance efficiency, scalability, and transparency
• Lead, develop, and coach a high‑performing team, fostering a strong risk culture, accountability, and continuous learning across the function
• Serve on the cross‑functional AI forums, providing an Operational Risk perspective on the evaluation, adoption, and governance of AI and machine learning tools.

Qualifications and Experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience in operational risk, model risk, or related disciplines within financial services or insurance, including direct or indirect people leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of operational and model risk frameworks, including risk assessment, incident management, and model lifecycle governance
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and provide effective challenge in a complex, cross‑functional environment
• Experience driving process improvements, governance enhancements, or risk framework maturity initiatives
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred

Drive.

Discipline.

Confidence.

Focus.

Commitment.

Learn more about working at Athene.

Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans. Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.