Lead - ERM Programs Specialist

Bread Financial Payments; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

Bread Financial seeks an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Lead to design, implement, govern, monitor, report on, and continually enhance the ERM framework across risk programs. You will partner with First- and Second-Line stakeholders to drive program effectiveness, regulatory alignment, and risk‑informed decision‑making.

The role translates program requirements into business needs, leads cross‑functional initiatives, delivers executive risk reporting, and supports regulatory examinations.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk, Internal Audit, Compliance, Risk Governance, or related risk and control discipline.
• Experience with RCSA, PCRA, Control Testing, Risk Assessments, Issues Management, or similar programs.
• Direct experience in regulated financial institution environments and supporting regulatory examinations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, governance, monitoring, and continuous improvement of ERM Framework programs and processes.
• Influence cross‑functional program initiatives and train stakeholders.
• Partner with First‑ and Second‑Line stakeholders to ensure ERM requirements understanding and execution.
• Translate program requirements into business and functional requirements and support solution design and UAT.
• Analyze program data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop executive reporting, presentations, training, and communications providing risk insights.
• Support regulatory examinations, audits, and independent reviews with documentation and analysis.
• Perform additional responsibilities and special ERM projects.

Skills

ERM Leadership

Risk Management

Regulatory Knowledge

Stakeholder Influence

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Archer

Job description

Every career journey is personal. That's why we empower you with the tools and support to create your own success story.

Be challenged. Be heard. Be valued. Be you ... be here.

Job Summary

The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Lead will play a key role in the design, implementation, governance, monitoring, reporting, and continuous enhancement of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework. This role will provide subject matter expertise and advisory support across multiple ERM programs, including Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), Process Change Risk Assessments (PCRAs), Control Testing, Risk Assessments, and Issues Management. The ERM Lead will partner closely with business stakeholders and risk management functions across the First and Second Lines of Defense to drive program effectiveness, consistency, regulatory alignment, and risk‑informed decision‑making. This role is responsible for identifying opportunities to strengthen risk management practices, improve program execution, enhance reporting and data quality, and support the ongoing evolution of the ERM Framework.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the design, implementation, maintenance, governance, monitoring of adherence, and continuous improvement of ERM Framework programs, methodologies, standards, procedures, and supporting governance processes - (20%)
• Lead and influence cross‑functional program initiatives; identify, assess, manage, implement, and train on these improvements to First‑and Second‑Line stakeholders. - (20%)
• Partner with First‑and Second‑Line stakeholders to drive consistent understanding, adoption, and execution of ERM program requirements while serving as a trusted advisor for ERM‑related guidance, consultation, and support. - (20%)
• Assess the impact of ERM program enhancements on Archer by translating program requirements into business and functional requirements, supporting solution design and user acceptance testing, and ensuring alignment with ERM governance, reporting, and operational needs. - (20%)
• Analyze program data to identify trends, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for escalation, remediation, and program enhancement. - (5%)
• Develop and deliver executive reporting, presentations, training, and communications that provide meaningful risk insights, support program enhancements, and strengthen stakeholder accountability and risk awareness. - (5%)
• Support regulatory examinations, audits, and independent reviews by providing documentation, analysis, reporting, and subject matter expertise related to ERM programs and governance practices. - (5%)
• Perform additional responsibilities and special projects in support of ERM strategic priorities and enterprise risk initiatives. - (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 8-10 years of experience in Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk, Internal Audit, Compliance, Risk Governance, or a related risk and control discipline, including experience with RCSA, PCRA, Control Testing, Risk Assessments, Issues Management, or similar risk management programs.
• Direct experience working within OCC, FRB, FDIC, CFPB, or other regulated financial institution environments, including supporting regulatory examinations, remediation activities, and risk governance expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, or equivalent, relevant work experience
• 10-13 years of experience in Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk, Internal Audit, Compliance, Risk Governance, or a related risk and control discipline, including experience with RCSA, PCRA, Control Testing, Risk Assessments, Issues Management, or similar risk management programs.

Skills

• Strategic Thinking
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Stakeholder Influence
• Communication skills

Reports To

Director and above

Direct Reports

0

Work Environment

• Normal office environment. (Remote or Hybrid), 3 to 4 days per month are expected in office if within 60 miles of a posted Bread Financial location.

Travel

• Ability to travel up to 5% annually

Physical and Mental Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily and meet the physical, mental and work environment requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions, absent undue hardship.

• Communicate/Hearing
• Communicate/Talking
• Typing/Writing
• Maintain focus in high pressure or fast‑paced work environment

Other Duties

This job description is illustrative of the types of duties typically performed by this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of each and every essential function of the job. Because job content may change from time to time, the Company reserves the right to add and/or delete essential functions from this job at any time.

Salary Range

$112,400.00 - $179,900.00

Full Salary Range for position

California: $129,300.00 - $224,900.00 Colorado: $112,400.00 - $197,900.00 New York: $123,600.00 - $224,900.00 Washington: $123,600.00 - $206,900.00 Maryland: $123,600.00 - $197,900.00 Washington DC: $129,300.00 - $206,900.00 Illinois: $112,400.00 - $197,900.00 New Jersey: $129,300.00 - $206,900.00 Vermont: $112,400.00 - $179,900.00 Ohio: $112,400.00 - $179,900.00 Maine: $112,400.00 - $179,900.00 Connecticut: $123,600.00 - $197,900.00 Virginia: $112,400.00 - $179,900.00

The actual base pay within this range may be dependent upon many factors, which may include, but are not limited to, work location, education, experience, and skills.

You must be work authorized in the United States on a full time basis without the need for any sponsorship now or in the future from any employer or organization. The Company cannot offer employment to F-1 (student) visa holders.

Bread Financial offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and other voluntary benefits (including basic and optional life insurance, supplemental medical plans, and short and long‑term disability) to eligible associates (regular full‑time associates scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more) and their spouses/domestic partners, and child(ren) under the age of 26. New associate elected coverage begins on date of hire (with the exception of disability coverage which has a 6‑month waiting period). Six weeks of 100% paid parental leave for eligible parents is available after a 180‑day waiting period. Hired associates can immediately enroll in Bread Financial's 401(k) plan.

• Bread Financial offers competitive pay, a comprehensive selection of benefit options including 401(k).
• The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Any applicant offered employment will be required to establish that they are legally authorized to work in the United States for the Company.
• The Company participates in E-Verify.
• The Company will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.
• The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and all applicable state/local laws. The Company will provide accommodations to applicants needing accommodations to complete the application process. Applicants with disabilities may contact the Company to request and arrange for accommodations. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. Please contact the Recruiting Team at [e-mail] .

Bread Financial proudly marks 30 years of success in 2026. To learn more about our global associates, our performance and our sustainability progress, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Job Family

Enterprise Risk

Job Type

Regular