Director, Business Operations - Independent Risk Management

The role:

Business Operations enables our business to scale faster and operate more efficiently. We are seeking a Director of Business Operations to support our Independent Risk Management (IRM) function.  You will report to the Head of Risk Strategy and Operations and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the broader (IRM) organization which includes Risk and Compliance. This role will be a trusted partner for the Chief Risk Officer and the extended leadership team, and is your opportunity to showcase a breadth of strengths across strategy, analysis, project management, problem-solving, performance management, program leadership, cross-functional project management, and more. 

What you’ll do:

• Partner with Risk leadership to translate risk strategy into operational plans, KPIs, and success metrics
• Coordinate cross-functional committees, steering groups, and reporting cycles to ensure consistent alignment on risk priorities.
• Support the development and maintenance of risk governance frameworks, including policies, standards, and operating procedures.
• Map, refine, and optimize end-to-end risk processes and controls to ensure the organization is well managed (e.g., incident management, issue remediation, control testing, model governance).
• Oversee a control testing function for Independent Risk Management, ensuring that controls are well designed and performing as intended across the organization
• Manage workforce planning, budgeting, and capacity forecasts for the Independent Risk Management function.
• Ensure efficient workflows and handoffs across Risk, Compliance, Audit, Technology and Business units.
• Champion continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma principles, automation, tooling enhancement).
• Assume complete ownership of projects and initiatives, thoughtfully managing business case, scope, dependencies, resources, and milestones 
• Provide direct support for the CRO and Risk/Compliance Leadership teams on key business management deliverables including but not limited to budgeting and people strategy.
• Engage with enterprise Business Operations counterparts in other business units and functions on production and delivery of company-wide standardized processes such as quarterly planning and board deck preparation 
• Support exam and regulatory execution for Independent Risk Management deliverables.

What you’ll need:

• 12+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams that combines strategic thinking with tactical execution, 
• Passion to learn, responsibly grow our business, and support our mission of helping members get their money right 
• Previous experience managing business control (RCSA) and/or control testing frameworks
• Ability to break down challenges/opportunities, build a strategy, write an action plan, identify resources, and project-manage to completion 
• Tell a compelling story – use data to drive strategy, execution, and optimization 
• High emotional intelligence to build relationships across all levels, departments, and personality types to lead without direct reporting lines 
• Track record of performance in a high growth, dynamic environment 
• Bias toward action, strong analytical skills, and solid business judgment 
• Eagerness to roll up your sleeves to get things done (even the unglamorous things) 
• Expert communication and presentation skills and the confidence to articulate, present and debate your recommendations with anyone 
• Ability to balance and prioritize multiple work streams for different stakeholders

Nice to have:

• Experience in management consulting, investment banking and/or business operations 
• Experience in Fintech
• MBA