SVP, Head of Operational Risk Management

RGA Enterprise Services Company; Chesterfield (MO); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

RGA Enterprise Services Company seeks an accomplished Senior Leader to define and drive the global operational risk management strategy across a multinational organization. You will chair the Operational Risk Committee, shape risk governance, and align risk programs with regulatory requirements and business objectives.

The role requires deep expertise in risk management, cybersecurity and data governance, with a proven ability to influence executives and boards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in finance, business, or related field required.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in risk/control or operations with 10+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Industry knowledge in insurance or reinsurance with regulatory familiarity preferred.
• Experience partnering with regulators and managing regulatory relationships across jurisdictions.
• Proven track record designing, implementing, and enhancing risk functions and frameworks in global organizations.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, information security and technology risk management.
• Strong ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, executives and board members.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and execute the global operational risk management vision and strategy.
• Chair the Operational Risk Committee and guide risk governance.
• Design and improve the operational risk management framework, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Own risk methodologies, taxonomy, appetite statements and tolerance levels.
• Lead enterprise-wide risk identification, assessment, monitoring and reporting.
• Provide strategic counsel to CRO, Executive Committee and Board on operational risk matters.
• Partner with Global Technology, Procurement, Data and Security to ensure data governance and resilience.
• Deliver transparent risk reporting to regulators and senior leadership.
• Build relationships with regional leadership and Global Risk teams.
• Monitor external regulatory developments to evolve risk capabilities.

Skills

Risk leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Crisis management

Data-driven decision making

Education

BA/BS in finance, business or related field

Tools

Risk technology platforms

Job description

You desire impactful work.

You're RGA ready

A Brief Overview

RGA is a purpose-driven organization working to solve today's challenges through innovation and collaboration. A Fortune 200 Company and listed among its World's Most Admired Companies , we're the only global reinsurance company to focus primarily on life- and health-related solutions. Join our multinational team of intelligent, motivated, and collaborative people, and help us make financial protection accessible to all.

Location

Ideally located in RGA's Headquarters in St. Louis or Toronto in a hybrid work arrangement. The successful candidate may also work in a full remote arrangement with frequent travel.

What you will do

• Define, develop and execute the global operational risk management vision and strategy, in collaboration with business and functional leadership, which aligns with business objectives, regulatory requirements and the overall risk management framework. Act as the Chair of the Operational Risk Committee to support the achievement of this and other responsibilities.
• Design, implement and continuously enhance the operational risk management framework, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Own and enhance relevant risk methodologies and standards, including risk taxonomy, risk appetite statements and tolerance levels, and assessment tools.
• Lead enterprise-wide risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting processes for operational risk. Ensure integration of operational risk considerations into business processes, decision-making, and strategic planning.
• Provide strategic advice and challenge the business on risk exposures and control effectiveness. Provide risk expertise and insights to influence strategic decisions and improve business resilience.
• Provide strategic counsel to the Global CRO, Executive Committee and Board of Directors on operational risk matters. Act as a liaison with regulators, auditors, and assurance providers on key risk topics.
• Partner with Global Technology, Procurement, and Data and Security teams to ensure robust data governance, privacy, controls, and resilience. Provide governance, expertise, and counsel to technology, cyber, data, and third-party risk management activities.
• Deliver insightful, transparent risk reporting to senior leadership, regulators, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. Develop and establish comprehensive operational risk monitoring and early warning systems, use of non-financial risk dashboards, maintain key risk indicators, and performance metrics.
• Build and maintain strong relationship with the Executive Committee, regional leadership, business leaders, and Global Risk & Strategic Enablement leadership.
• Monitor external trends and regulatory developments to continuously evolve risk capabilities and ensure ongoing compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in finance, business, or related field required
• 15+ Years of progressive experience in a risk/control and/or operations role with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles required
• Experience in the insurance or reinsurance industry, with deep understanding of industry-specific operational risks and relevant regulatory requirements preferred
• Demonstrated experience partnering with regulators and managing regulatory relationships from an operational risk perspective, across multiple jurisdictions preferred
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and enhancing operational risk functions, frameworks, policies, and methodologies in a complex, global organization required
• Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience with operational risk and regulatory frameworks and methodologies, risk and control self-assessment tools, risk technology platforms, and industry best practices required
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior business and functional stakeholders, Executive Committee members, and Board of Directors in risk oversight capacity required
• Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity, information security, and technology risk management required
• Demonstrated success in crisis management and business continuity planning preferred
• Proficiency in data analysis, risk modeling, and quantitative risk assessment techniques preferred
• Outstanding communication and presentation sk