VP, First Line Risk Officer (Hybrid) NY/NJ - Commercial

First Citizens; Morristown (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a VP, First Line Risk Officer to enhance its operational risk management framework. This hybrid role involves collaborating with business leaders to identify key risks and implement scalable controls. You'll oversee the execution of risk assessments and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Your expertise will be crucial in driving business resilience and regulatory readiness in a dynamic lending environment. Join a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and offers a competitive benefits program tailored to meet the needs of its associates.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in Risk Management or 8+ years with a GED.
• Strong understanding of operational risk frameworks and commercial credit risk.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement controls aligned with enterprise standards.
• Oversee operational risk events and create mitigation plans.

Skills

Risk Management

Operational Risk Management

Control Assessments

Process Documentation

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Visio

Job description

Overview

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office based in New York, New York or Morristown, New Jersey.

First Citizens Commercial Finance group provides lending, leasing and treasury management services to middle market businesses nationwide. The division’s core strength is leading complex transactions that demand deep industry knowledge and customized solutions to deliver successful results.

We are seeking a VP, First Line Risk Officer – Commercial Finance to join our growing team. As a First Line Risk Officer, you'll serve as a key advisor and subject matter expert on operational risk management within our First Line of Defense (FLOD). You'll collaborate with business leaders to implement a strong operational risk framework, identify key risks, and design smart, scalable controls.

You’ll play a central role in driving regulatory readiness, ensuring business resilience, and shaping how we manage risk in a dynamic lending environment.

Responsibilities

• Control Development: Design and implement controls aligned with enterprise standards and support independent control testing.
• Issue Management: Oversee operational risk events and issues. Partner with business units to create and execute mitigation plans that address root causes
• Assurance Support: Assist with internal audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance exams. Coordinate with stakeholders to prepare responses and ensure readiness.
• Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA): Lead the execution of RCSA processes. Identify key risks, evaluate controls and develop mitigation plans to address control gaps.
• Process Documentation: Create and maintain detailed process documentation. Identify control gaps and opportunities to automate or streamline processes.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Help develop and execute a QA program to ensure compliance with commercial finance procedures and evaluate control performance.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of experience in Risk Management OR High School Diploma or GED and 8 years of experience in Risk Management.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree (strongly preferred)
• 6+ years of experience in enterprise or operational risk management, or internal audit at a large financial institution
• Familiarity with commercial credit risk and risk management frameworks
• Experience conducting RCSAs and control assessments
• Proven track record of managing and remediating operational risk events
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in process documentation tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio)

If hired in New York, the base pay for this position is generally between $114,000.00 and $175,000.00. If hired in New Jersey, the base pay for this position is generally between $110,000.00 and $160,000.00. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.