Director of Enterprise Risk Management

Simmons Bank•St. Louis, MO

About The Position

Responsible for developing and executing the Enterprise Risk Management Framework so the Bank can identify, assess, monitor, and report enterprise-wide risks within its approved risk appetite. The Director leads and mentors risk management team members, partners with business and risk leaders to support risk-informed decision-making, and aligns risk practices with enterprise strategy. The role supports maintenance of the Risk Appetite Statement, provides comprehensive enterprise risk insights to executive and Board-level stakeholders, and drives continuous improvement of enterprise risk management practices. The position directs enterprise risk governance and processes, including policies, standards, frameworks, risk taxonomy, risk appetite, risk assessments, and monitoring. It oversees risk responses and mitigation plans, analyzes and reports the Bank’s risk profile and emerging exposures, and advises leaders on actionable responses. The Director also develops risk communications and training, selects and optimizes GRC systems, leads advanced risk analysis and reporting, and presents risk matters to executive leadership, Board committees, regulators, and other stakeholders. The role requires compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including completion of required compliance training. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and the job description may change without notice.

Requirements

Advanced degree in a related field.
Eight or more years of experience in banking or financial services, including significant leadership and strategic responsibilities.
Five or more years of direct enterprise risk management or related experience, with extensive leadership in risk management functions and cross-functional teams.
Deep understanding of governance structures, enterprise risk management practices, and Three Lines of Defense principles within financial institutions.
Ability to foster proactive problem-solving, anticipate enterprise risks, evaluate interconnected impacts, and develop practical, forward-looking solutions to complex organizational challenges.
Strong attention to detail and technical writing skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills at the executive and Board level, including the ability to produce concise, decision-useful risk reports and presentations and represent the function in high-stakes engagements.
Ability to effectively present information to customers, clients, management, the Board of Directors, and employees in one-on-one and small-group settings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Experience using GRC platforms.
Risk management certification, such as CRMP, FRM, CRM, or equivalent.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multiple business lines and organizational levels.

Nice To Haves

Recognized as a subject matter expert and thought leader in risk management.

Responsibilities

Direct the creation, review, and continuous improvement of enterprise risk management policies, standards, frameworks, risk taxonomy, risk appetite, and governance documents.
Establish and oversee processes for identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and aggregating material, strategic, and emerging risks; risk assessments; and risk appetite monitoring.
Oversee enterprise risk response and mitigation monitoring, partnering with risk owners and subject matter experts to evaluate strategies, track action plans, and escalate material exposures or risk acceptance decisions.
Monitor, analyze, aggregate, and report the Bank’s enterprise risk profile, risk appetite performance, key risk indicators, strategic and emerging risks, and significant changes in exposure to executive management and the Board; provide actionable insights and recommendations.
Design and execute enterprise risk management communications and training strategies.
Promote understanding of risk appetite, risk ownership, escalation expectations, and enterprise-wide risk management practices.
Build consensus among senior leaders and cross-functional partners, drive enterprise-wide initiatives through influence and strategic partnerships, and act as a trusted advisor on enterprise risk matters.
Select, implement, and optimize GRC systems for risk taxonomy, assessments, risk appetite, KRIs, issues, reporting, and governance; lead adoption, integration, and data quality standards.
Design and deliver enterprise risk presentations to executive leadership, Board committees, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
Lead advanced enterprise risk analysis, develop aggregation and reporting methodologies, identify interdependencies and emerging trends, and translate risk information into strategic insights.
Develop departmental documents and activities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, and complete required compliance training.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.