Strategic Risk Management Director

Mastercard • Toronto, ON

4d • CA$138,000 - CA$221,000

About The Position

The Strategic Risk team is looking for a Strategic Risk Management Director to further accelerate our engagement with the business across diverse initiatives. The Strategic Risk function plays a critical role in protecting Mastercard's enterprise value by identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact our operations, reputation, and strategic objectives. This function is building a proactive, enterprise-wide approach to risk identification, mitigation, and strategic decision-making that aligns with our broader financial and business goals. We are seeking a seasoned risk management professional or consultant who combines deep analytical expertise with strategic vision and exceptional stakeholder management skills. The ideal candidate will be adept at translating complex risk landscapes into actionable insights, building governance frameworks from the ground up, and influencing senior leadership through data-driven recommendations. This individual will thrive in ambiguity, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and possess the executive presence to engage effectively with C-suite stakeholders while building a risk-aware culture across the organization. In addition, the ideal candidate will have exposure to New Product Approval processes and conducting Risk Assessments prior to product launches. As Strategic Risk Director, you will lead enterprise-wide risk assessment initiatives, provide strategic advisory to senior leadership, and build the foundational processes and tools for Mastercard's Strategic Risk function. This role requires a combination of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership to establish risk management as a core pillar of business decision-making.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in risk management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field; relevant professional certifications (FRM, PRM, CFA, or similar) highly valued
• Extensive and progressive experience in enterprise risk management, strategic risk, management consulting or internal strategy roles within large, complex, multinational organizations
• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment methodologies, risk frameworks, and governance structures, with proven ability to design and implement risk management programs from inception
• Deep understanding of the financial services industry, payments ecosystem, regulatory landscape, and emerging risks including cybersecurity, digital transformation, and geopolitical uncertainties
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights and executive-ready recommendations
• Proven track record of influencing and partnering with senior executives and C-suite stakeholders, with strong executive presence and ability to communicate risk concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic mindset with ability to balance enterprise-wide risk oversight with business enablement, understanding that effective risk management supports rather than hinders innovation and growth
• Strong project management capabilities with experience leading cross-functional initiatives, managing competing priorities, and delivering results in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to distill complex risk scenarios into compelling narratives and presentations for diverse stakeholder groups
• Exemplary storytelling that allows for the delivery of key messages to C-suite Executives and convergence in case of ambiguity
• Experience working in global, matrixed organizations with demonstrated ability to drive alignment across diverse geographic regions and business units.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AI platforms, data analytics tools, and visualization software that enable quick iteration and development of tools and dashboards
• Experience building or scaling risk management functions within high-growth technology companies or financial services organizations undergoing digital transformation
• Track record of thought leadership in risk management through publications, speaking engagements, or industry forum participation.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end risk assessments for Mastercard's highest priority strategic initiatives, including M&A transactions, new market entry, new products, and significant partnerships
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management and business leaders on risk implications of strategic initiatives, new product launches, market expansions, acquisitions, and partnership opportunities
• Provide independent challenge to deal teams, product leads, and business stakeholders, ensuring decisions are taken within Mastercard's risk appetite and with full transparency on residual risk exposure
• Prepare executive-ready risk reports for the C-suite, Board of Directors, and Risk Committee to support informed decision-making
• Serve as the connective tissue between business strategy teams and the risk organization, ensuring risk intelligence flows both ways.
• Own and evolve the Strategic Risk Frameworks, ensuring it is integrated with Mastercard's Enterprise Risk Management Framework
• Define enhancements needed to the Company's Risk Taxonomy, incorporating outputs from previous assessments, regulatory guidance, or analysis performed to enter new industries
• Partner with the other Risk colleagues (1LoD and 2LoD) to ensure frameworks are aligned across the different organizations
• Design and implement processes and tools that enable scalable identification, measurement, monitoring, and control of strategic risks. This includes thinking about Risk as a Product.
• Establish dashboards, and reporting mechanisms that provide real-time visibility into the Strategic Risk’s pipeline
• Create and own delivery of materials leveraged for SteerCo meetings with a clear storyline and ask for Executives

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on location, experience and other qualifications for the role
• May be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior