Program & Governance Manager - First Line Risk (Enterprise Platforms) - Hybrid

M&T Bank • Baltimore, MD

42d • Hybrid

About The Position

We're seeking a strategic and hands-on Program & Governance Manager to join our Enterprise Platforms First Line Risk team. This role is central to building and managing the risk governance framework that supports our business units in identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks. You'll lead efforts to develop policies, implement monitoring programs, and manage issue remediation - all while helping shape a growing team and a newly evolving risk function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience.
• 7+ years' relevant work experience.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree in a related field.
• Proven experience in risk management, governance, or compliance within financial services or other regulated industries.
• Strong understanding of first line risk frameworks, issue management processes, and operational risk/compliance principles.
• Experience with Archer or similar GRC platforms.
• Familiarity with Agile tools, frameworks, and delivery cycles.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working with all levels of management, including executive leadership.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and adaptable in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to respond to change, iterate quickly, and embrace feedback.

Responsibilities

• Lead Program Development & Governance: Build and maintain first line risk programs, policies, and procedures. Partner with business units to ensure risks are identified, documented in Archer, and mitigated through effective controls.
• Drive Monitoring & Reporting: Develop and manage Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and KPIs. Monitor performance and trigger issue escalation and remediation planning when thresholds are breached.
• Issue & Exam Management: Facilitate monthly Issues Management Working Group meetings. Support remediation plan owners, track progress, escalate blockers, and ensure timely resolution.
• Collaborate Across Lines of Defense: Serve as a key liaison with Internal Audit, Compliance, Operational Risk, and Legal. Ensure alignment and transparency across first, second, and third lines of defense.
• Support Strategic Initiatives: Partner with teams like Privacy to build and launch new risk programs. Lead documentation efforts and ensure stability before transitioning ownership.
• Policy & Regulatory Oversight: Manage updates to policies in response to regulatory changes. Provide training and communications to ensure adoption and compliance.
• Leadership & Influence: Represent the team in executive-level discussions. Present risk stories and program updates with clarity and confidence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees