Risk Appetite Program Manager

Western Alliance Bank•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Risk Appetite Program Manager manages and oversees the execution of the bank’s Risk Appetite Framework and broader strategic risk management activities. This role drives the development, monitoring, and reporting of risk appetite metrics; manages related policies and procedures; and leads the delivery of quarterly risk reporting to executive management and Board‑level committees. The position partners with stakeholders across all Lines of Defense to strengthen risk appetite governance, enhance reporting quality, and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations, Board requirements, and industry best practices. The role also drives continuous improvement of risk appetite and reporting processes, including leveraging AI‑enabled tools to increase automation, consistency, and efficiency. In addition, the Risk Appetite Program Manager supports Strategic Risk Management activities through second line of defense review and credible challenge, and execution of risk assessments. The Strategic Risk team is part of the Bank’s wider Risk Management department which is focused on providing expert guidance, credible challenge, and effective oversight of risk-taking activities throughout the Bank. The Risk Management department plays a critical role in helping to inform bank management and the Board of Directors of the risks inherent in its actions and decisions, enterprise impacts, and opportunities to manage risk. Reporting to the Strategic Risk Program Manager, the ideal candidate brings experience building and scaling risk appetite programs and strengthening risk reporting and governance. The role requires an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong focus on process optimization, automation, and the thoughtful adoption of AI‑enabled tools to enhance efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness across strategic risk management activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
6+ years of direct related experience in Risk Management, Financial Services, Internal Audit, Accounting or similar field.
Prior experience leading risk governance processes preferred.
Advanced knowledge of general finance and banking operations, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, internal audit, risk management, and regulatory compliance and/or other banking products and services.
Advanced knowledge of Controls Testing along with Risk and Control Self Assessments within areas such as strategic planning and execution and external stakeholder management (e.g. Marketing, Investor/Regulator Perception, etc.).
Advanced knowledge of applicable regulatory and legal compliance obligations, rules and regulations, industry standards and practices.
Advanced experience supporting and managing risk appetite frameworks and enterprise risk reporting within a financial institution.
Advanced communication and influencing skills, combined with problem‑solving abilities and the capability to identify and drive process improvement and automation opportunities.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of SQL, Tableau, Power BI and familiarity with GRC platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive implementation and ongoing enhancement of the bank’s Risk Appetite Framework including policies, the Risk Appetite Statement, and KRIs, while maturing metrics and strengthening alignment between risk appetite and other risk programs.
Coordinate and lead annual working sessions with key stakeholders to assess business requirements and enhance KRIs and qualitative statements within the Risk Appetite Statement, including providing credible review and challenge of KRIs and thresholds, and ensuring consistent application of program standards and guidance.
Manage timely reporting of KRIs and hold stakeholders accountable for breach protocols and mitigation action plans, including timely escalations of breaches to relevant committees.
Serve as the central point of contact for the risk appetite program, collaborating across the first and second lines of defense to promote consistency, strengthen governance, and advance program maturity.
Perform KRI data quality assessments to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and usefulness of risk data for management and Board reporting.
Execute and enhance enterprise risk reporting processes by coordinating meeting materials, partnering across stakeholders, and leveraging automation to deliver timely, clear, and actionable reporting for executive management and Board‑level committees.
Design and oversee risk appetite assessment methodologies for risk category reporting to promote an accurate enterprise‑wide view of the bank’s risk profile and maintain alignment with related risk program assessments and reporting.
Assist the Strategic Risk Program Manager with key strategic risk activities including 2LOD review and effective challenge and the execution of risk assessments.