Senior Operational Risk Manager

Simmons Bank; Rogers (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons Bank is seeking an experienced senior leader to develop and execute an Operational Risk Framework that helps the bank identify risks, minimize losses, and protect its reputation. You will mentor the risk management team and work with business units to support risk-aware decisions and enhance resiliency.

You will present comprehensive risk insights to the executive team and board, drive risk culture change, and lead the adoption of GRC systems across the organization.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required with extensive leadership in risk management.
• 8+ years in banking or financial services with strategic responsibilities.
• 5+ years leading risk management and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct development and continuous improvement of Operational Risk policies and frameworks.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize organization-wide risks including RCSA and scenarios.
• Develop, execute, and oversee risk mitigation tracking with robust controls validation.
• Monitor, analyze, and report operational risk exposures to management and the board.
• Design risk communication and training strategies; drive risk culture change.
• Lead selection, implementation, and integration of GRC systems.
• Foster proactive problem solving and enterprise-wide risk solutions.

Skills

Executive communication

Stakeholder influence

Risk analytics

Quality controls

Thought leadership

Education

Master's degree

MBA

Tools

MS Office

GRC tools

Analytics tools

Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for the development and execution of the Operational Risk Framework to enable the Bank to effectively identify operational risk, maintain effective systems and controls to minimize operational losses, and safeguard its reputation. Leads and mentors risk management team in the development and execution of risk frameworks, works closely with business units to support risk-aware decision making, enhancement of organizational resiliency, and ensures alignment with enterprise strategy. Responsible for presenting comprehensive risk insights to executive and board-level stakeholders and ensuring continuous improvement of risk management practices across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs the creation, review, and continuous improvement of Operational Risk Management policies and frameworks across the organization.
• Establishes and oversees processes for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing Operational Risks organization-wide, including Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) and Scenario Analysis.
• Responsible for the development, execution, and oversight of risk mitigation tracking processes and supporting business units in validating effective risk controls are in place.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on operational risk exposures to management and the board, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
• Designs and executes risk management communication and training strategies. Supports enterprise-wide operational risk culture change initiatives.
• Selects, implements, and optimizes GRC systems; leads tool adoption and integration.
• Establishes a culture of proactive problem-solving; Anticipates organizational risks and develops innovative, enterprise-wide solutions for complex challenges.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Skills

• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills at the executive and board level; crafts and delivers high-impact presentations; represents the Operational Risk function in external and high-stakes internal engagements.
• Builds consensus among senior leadership and external partners; drives enterprise-wide Operational Risk initiatives through influence and strategic partnerships; acts as a trusted advisor on risk matters.
• Leads advanced analytics initiatives; develops new methodologies and provides strategic insights to leadership.
• Sets quality standards for the team; implements controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Designs and presents to executive leadership and external stakeholders; recognized as a thought leader.

Education and/or Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's, MBA, or equivalent) required
• 8+ years of relevant experience in banking or financial services, including significant leadership and strategic responsibilities.
• 5+ years of direct risk management or related experience, with extensive leadership in risk management functions and cross-functional teams. Recognized as a subject matter expert and thought leader in risk management.

Computer Skills

• MS Office programs
• Advanced GRC and Analytics Tools

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Risk Management Certification (CREP or similar) preferred

Other

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Skills Training

• Communication
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking

Equal Employment Opportunity Information: Simmons First National Corporation and its subsidiaries are committed to a policy of equal employment with respect to a person's race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, covered veterans, military status, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected classifications.