First Line Risk Program Lead - Technology & Enterprise Operations

M&T Bank; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

M&T Bank is seeking a Senior Risk Manager to implement and oversee first line risk programs within the business unit, aligning with Enterprise Risk Framework. The role guides risk execution, resolves escalations, and drives improvements in governance, reporting, and data quality.

The candidate will act as SME to Risk Advisors and leadership, shaping risk methodologies, providing coaching, and ensuring compliance with enterprise standards while supporting regulatory initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience; or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 9 years' higher education and/or work experience including 5 years' relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and guidance for execution of First Line Risk programs (RCSA, Control Testing, Issues Management, Risk Reporting).
• Serve as SME for risk management methodologies, frameworks, processes, and best practices.
• Establish and enhance program governance, templates, and quality standards for consistent execution across teams.
• Perform quality reviews of risk program deliverables for accuracy and adherence to guidance.

Skills

Risk management

RCSA

Control testing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

This role is four days onsite at our Seneca One Buffalo, NY location, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week.

Overview

Implement defined first line of defense risk management initiatives within the business unit in support of the Enterprise Risk Framework. Manage the risk work and employee assignments to those initiatives responsible for risk and control functions in the business unit. Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for execution of risk functions. Serve as a trusted advisor to First Line Risk leadership and Risk Advisors by establishing programs and procedures, promoting consistent execution, providing guidance, and monitoring program effectiveness.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and guidance for the execution of key First Line Risk programs, including RCSA, Control Testing, Issues Management, and Risk Reporting, promoting consistent application of enterprise standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to Risk Advisors, managers, and leadership on risk management methodologies, frameworks, processes, and best practices.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance program governance, procedures, templates, and quality standards to promote consistent and effective execution across teams.
• Perform quality reviews over risk program deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to enterprise guidance.
• Develop and implement enhancements that strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and maturity of First Line Risk programs.
• Monitor program execution across teams, identify trends, risks, emerging issues, and opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Support enterprise and regulatory initiatives by translating requirements into actionable guidance.
• Lead complex risk management initiatives and special projects that have significant visibility and impact across the organization.
• Develop executive presentations that provide leadership with meaningful insights into risk exposures, control effectiveness, program performance, and emerging risks.
• Partner with stakeholders to enhance reporting capabilities, data quality, and risk program metrics.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and support to Risk Advisors and risk program participants on the execution of risk management activities.
• Promote consistency in the interpretation and application of risk management standards across business units and capabilities.
• Identify training needs and facilitate knowledge sharing, education, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen organizational risk management capabilities.
• Provide oversight of RCSAs, control assessments, testing results, remediation plans, and issue management activities.
• Evaluate risks and control environments to identify potential gaps, emerging risks, and areas requiring management attention.
• Support leadership in the escalation, communication, and resolution of significant risk, control, and regulatory matters.
• Implement and oversee the adherence to policies and procedures for the business unit. This includes identifying updates or enhancements as business unit processes change. In addition, assist in responding to both internal and external requests in relation to departmental processes and procedures.
• Provide informal coaching of staff. Provide input to manager with regard to staff performance and growth/development of staff functions and responsibilities for risk initiatives they lead.
• Adhere to applicable compliance/operational risk controls in accordance with Company or regulatory standards and policies.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging 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.

Education and Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 9 years' higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $89,600.00 - $149,300.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America