Head of Canada Compliance and Operational Risk

Wells Fargo • Toronto, ON

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Wells Fargo is seeking a Head of Canada Compliance and Operational Risk. The role is a senior leader based in Canada, responsible for the effective design, oversight, and governance of Compliance and Operational Risk frameworks for the Canadian legal entities. The role ensures that Canada operates a well-governed, enterprise-aligned Compliance and Operational Risk framework, consistent with Canadian regulatory requirements, international expectations, enterprise standards, and defined risk appetite. The role provides independent second-line oversight and challenge while leading Canada-based Compliance and Operational Risk teams (excluding FCRM / MLRO activities). The role is for a vacancy in our Toronto office.

Requirements

• 7+ years of Compliance and Operational Risk experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• 3+ years of management or leadership experience
• Must be able to work at the posted location

Nice To Haves

• Strong regulatory and compliance judgment, ability to translate regulatory expectations into practical policies, controls, and operating procedures
• Ability to interpret and apply prudential, conduct, AML/financial crime, and regulatory obligations using a risk‑based approach
• Capability to lead regulatory examinations
• Expertise in the end-to-end operational risk lifecycle (RCSA, issues, events, KRIs, thematic risk)
• Strong understanding of control design, operating effectiveness, and sustainable remediation
• Ability to design and operate clear governance frameworks, escalation thresholds, and decision rights
• Strong senior management level communication skills
• Experience operating within a three lines of defense model while avoiding duplication or gaps
• High personal integrity, resilience, and independence under regulatory and business pressure

Responsibilities

• Lead the Canada Country Compliance and Operational Risk team, including designation as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for the Canadian legal entities within a matrix management structure.
• Provide independent second-line oversight and challenge of Compliance and Operational Risk management across Canadian legal entities.
• Establish, implement, and maintain risk standards, programs, and governance frameworks aligned with enterprise requirements and local regulatory obligations.
• Ensure material Compliance and Operational Risk issues are identified, escalated, remediated, and tracked in line with enterprise standards.
• Oversee and execute Enterprise Compliance and Operational Risk Programs within Canada, leveraging international and enterprise processes where appropriate.
• Serve as a key regulatory and Compliance risk advisor, engaging with regulators and senior stakeholders as required.
• Translate regulatory requirements into practical, sustainable policies, controls, and procedures.
• Provide oversight and challenge to Lines of Business operating in Canada across risk identification, control effectiveness, issue management, governance, and reporting routines.
• Lead and develop Canada-based Compliance and Operational Risk resources to ensure effective coverage, resilience, and continuity.

Benefits

• Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company.
• They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions.
• There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed