Operational Risk Manager - Operational Resilience (CERT, BCP, IR)

Sammons Financial Group • Sioux Falls, SD

11h • Onsite

About The Position

This role leads the execution of risk identification, assessment, mitigation strategies, and control testing across the organization. It supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of risk management frameworks, including risk taxonomy and risk appetite structures. The position involves executing initiatives for Key Risk Indicator (KRI) measurement to continuously monitor and manage organizational risks, and maintaining accountability for clear and consistent communication across risk management projects, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment. It also coordinates project planning and portfolio management, aligning multiple risk-related projects with strategic priorities for efficient execution. The Operational Risk Manager will serve as a risk management subject matter expert, consulting with internal and external stakeholders on various initiatives. Responsibilities include executing program management for strategic and large risk-related projects, focusing on risk identification, assessments, mitigation, reporting, and compliance. The role supports regulatory and emerging risk initiatives, coordinates risk inputs, documentation, and reporting for enterprise risk assessments and regulatory frameworks. It assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining risk policies, procedures, and reporting, and administers Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) frameworks. The manager oversees key risk programs like business continuity (BC) and third-party risk management (TPRM), and supports the development and reporting of performance metrics. Continuous monitoring of emerging risks through KRIs, analysis of KRI data for proactive mitigation, and regular updates to senior leadership on ERM roadmap progress are also key. The role involves delivering risk training programs, facilitating change management, maintaining effective communication with stakeholders, and reinforcing commitment to internal controls processes such as Model Audit Rule (MAR) and Record Information Management (RIM). Commitment to the company's shared values and regular attendance are expected.

Requirements

• High attention to detail, organized with a demonstrated ability to manage and influence multiple organizational priorities simultaneously.
• Strong informal leadership, negotiation and interpersonal skills; proven ability to build effective internal and external relationships and effectively influence individuals at all levels.
• Excellent analytical skills, including problem solving and strategic thinking skills with an aptitude for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in risk assessments.
• Excel in change management by leading organizational transformations through comprehensive communication plans demonstrating exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated strong technical aptitude, experience in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, PowerBI and industry leading GRC systems (i.e. Auditboard or Archer).
• Team player with strong collaboration skills including motivating and building trust among peers and senior leaders, encouraging respect and optimizing collaboration.
• Familiarity with regulatory risk requirements such as Own, Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA), Commercial Insurer’s Solvency Assessment (CISSA), National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NACI), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other data privacy and financial regulations.
• Criminal background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' program management, specifically in risk management, financial services or related fields such as business continuity planning, governance, risk and compliance, or third-party risk management (TPRM).
• Minimum 3 years' experience in the financial services industry.
• PMP or CAPM.
• CRMP or PMI-RMP.
• CBCP.
• CTPRP.

Responsibilities

• Leads the execution of risk identification, assessment, mitigation strategies and control testing across the organization.
• Support the development, implementation and maintenance of risk management frameworks, including risk taxonomy and risk appetite structures.
• Execute initiatives for Key Risk Indicator (KRI) measurement to continuously monitor and manage organizational risks.
• Maintain accountability for clear and consistent communication across risk management projects, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.
• Coordinate project planning and portfolio management, coordinating multiple risk-related projects to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and executed efficiently.
• Support the execution of Risk Management activities and serve as a risk management subject matter expert, consulting with internal and external stakeholders on a wide array of initiatives.
• Execute program management of strategic, large and/or multiple risk-related projects, focusing on initiatives such as risk identification, assessments, mitigation, reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support regulatory and emerging risk initiatives, including coordination of risk inputs, documentation, and reporting for enterprise risk assessments and regulatory frameworks in partnership with ERM leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining ongoing updates and evolution of risk policies, procedures and reporting, which align with diverse functional areas throughout the organization.
• Administer and evolve Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) frameworks to support organizational objectives and facilitate effective risk management practices.
• Oversee the execution of key risk programs (i.e. business continuity (BC), third-party risk management (TPRM)) ensuring effective implementation and alignment with risk management objectives.
• Execute project planning and portfolio management tasks by organizing, prioritizing and coordinating multiple risk-related initiatives to ensure they align with organizational priorities, maintaining consistency in project execution and achieving desired outcomes effectively and efficiently.
• Support the development and reporting of performance metrics, leveraging technological advancements, innovative solutions and industry best practices to drive continuous improvement and enhance overall risk management capabilities and strategies.
• Maintain a comprehensive set of KRIs to monitor emerging risks continuously, ensuring that risk management strategies are data-driven and aligned with organizational risk appetite.
• Analyze KRI data to identify potential threats and opportunities; drive proactive risk mitigation measures with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on ERM roadmap progress, results and risks, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment with senior leadership.
• Deliver and reinforce risk training programs to enhance organizational understanding and capability in risk management practices.
• Facilitate change management processes, ensuring tasks align with ongoing strategic objectives and risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with program teams, senior leadership and external stakeholders, including vendors and regulatory bodies.
• Reinforce commitment to internal controls processes such as those under Model Audit Rule (MAR) and Record Information Management (RIM).
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• Invest in your future with our 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you.
• An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees