Executive Director, Chief of Staff to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Santander

About The Position

The Chief of Staff to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) serves as a strategic advisor, operational leader, and execution partner to the CRO, supporting the effective management of enterprise-wide risk across the investment bank. This role acts as a force multiplier for the CRO, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into actionable initiatives, governance processes operate efficiently, and risk leadership remains aligned with regulatory expectations, business objectives, and market conditions. The Chief of Staff operates at the intersection of strategy, risk governance, regulatory engagement, and senior stakeholder management, with significant exposure to executive management, and regulators.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Risk Management, Strategy, Consulting, or a related function within an investment bank or comparable financial institution.
Strong understanding of investment banking products and risks (e.g., leveraged finance, capital markets, derivatives, structured products).
Demonstrated experience working with senior executives, Boards, and regulators.
Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives in a highly regulated environment.
Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a Chief of Staff, Strategy, or PMO role supporting C-suite leadership.
Background in regulatory remediation, stress testing, capital or liquidity frameworks.
Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Finance, Economics, or related field).
Familiarity with global regulatory regimes (e.g., Fed, OCC, ECB, PRA).
Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
Experience in Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

Strategic Advisory & Execution Partner closely with the CRO to define, prioritize, and execute the Risk function’s strategic agenda across all risk disciplines (e.g., Credit, Market, Liquidity, Counterparty, Model, Operational, and Non-Financial Risk).
Translate high-level strategic objectives into clear execution plans, milestones, and KPIs, ensuring timely delivery across Risk teams.
Provide analytical and strategic input on emerging risks, market developments, regulatory changes, and business initiatives impacting the firm’s risk profile.
Act as a thought partner to the CRO, preparing decision frameworks, scenario analyses, and executive-level recommendations.
Oversee the end-to-end coordination of risk governance forums, including Executive Risk Committee, Board Risk Committee, and key sub-committees.
Ensure materials are concise, analytically robust, and aligned with regulatory and Board expectations.
Track decisions, actions, and follow-ups arising from governance forums, ensuring accountability and timely closure.
Continuously enhance governance processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
Support the CRO in managing relationships with regulators and supervisors, including preparation for exams, reviews, and ongoing supervisory dialogue.
Coordinate regulatory responses across Risk and the broader organization, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timeliness.
Track regulatory commitments, remediation plans, and consent order actions (if applicable), providing regular status updates to senior management.
Monitor regulatory developments globally and assess implications for the bank’s risk framework and operating model.
Drive cross-risk and cross-functional initiatives, including target operating model design, process reengineering, and technology-enabled transformation.
Identify opportunities to enhance risk analytics, reporting, controls, and data quality.
Support budget planning, headcount strategy, and vendor management for the Risk function.
Act as a central point of coordination for large-scale risk programs and regulatory change initiatives.
Serve as a key liaison between the CRO and senior executives across Front Office, Finance, Treasury, Compliance, Legal, Operations, and Technology.
Represent the CRO in select meetings and forums, as appropriate, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.
Facilitate alignment between Risk and business leadership on risk appetite, limit frameworks, and strategic transactions.
Prepare executive communications on behalf of the CRO, including Board presentations, CEO updates, town halls, and regulator-facing materials.
Ensure consistent messaging regarding risk strategy, priorities, and performance across the organization.
Support internal talent and leadership initiatives within the Risk function, including succession planning and culture initiatives.