First Line Risk Program Lead

The Role
We're looking for an experienced Risk Program Lead to join our First Line Risk and Monitoring organization. This is a critical leadership role that will shape how Block manages risk across our diverse portfolio of businesses. You'll lead three essential functions; documentation management, testing execution, and issue management ensuring we maintain the highest standards of risk management and regulatory compliance.
This role offers the unique opportunity to build and scale risk management capabilities at one of the most innovative fintech companies in the world. You'll work at the intersection of technology, finance, and regulation, helping Block continue to grow responsibly while maintaining our commitment to innovation and customer trust.
You Will

• Lead and Build High-Performing Teams
  • Lead three specialized teams focused on documentation management, testing execution, and issue management
  • Build a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across your teams
  • Develop talent, creating clear career paths and growth opportunities
  • Scale teams to meet the evolving needs of a growing organization

Drive Strategic Risk Management

• Establish and maintain comprehensive control documentation standards across Block's business units
  • Direct the execution of testing programs to validate control effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
  • Lead the issue identification, tracking, and remediation processes to ensure timely resolution, in collaboration with second line partners
  • Develop and implement quality assurance programs that set the standard for first line risk management

Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build partnerships with leaders across Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, and the Business
  • Ensure alignment between all three lines of defense in our risk management framework
  • Influence and align cross-functional stakeholders on risk management best practices
  • Create bridges between technical and business teams to ensure practical, effective solutions

Shape the Future of Risk Management at Block

• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance first line risk management capabilities
  • Integrate data-driven monitoring approaches into risk management programs
  • Create and maintain performance metrics that demonstrate team effectiveness and business impact
  • Drive innovation in how we approach risk management

You Have

• Required Qualifications
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, audit, or related fields
  • Experience successfully leading multiple teams in complex, matrixed organizations
  • Experience with risk management frameworks, control testing methodologies, and regulatory requirements
  • Experience developing and implementing documentation standards and procedures at scale
  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organizational change
  • Excellence in written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences
  • Experience in financial services, fintech, or other regulated industries
  • Strong project and program management skills with experience delivering complex initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with payment systems, digital banking, or cryptocurrency/blockchain technologies
  • Experience building risk management programs in high growth technology companies
  • Knowledge of global regulatory requirements and frameworks
  • Experience with data analytics and risk monitoring tools
  • Track record of building diverse, inclusive teams

We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is a proud equal opportunity employer. We work hard to evaluate all employees and job applicants consistently, based solely on the core competencies required of the role at hand, and without regard to any legally protected class. We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build an inclusive workplace? Check out our Inclusion & Diversity page
Full-time employee benefits include the following:

• Healthcare coverage (Medical, Vision and Dental insurance)
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Plans including company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Wellness programs, including access to mental health, 1:1 financial planners, and a monthly wellness allowance
• Paid parental and caregiving leave
• Paid time off (including 12 paid holidays)
• Paid sick leave (1 hour per 26 hours worked (max 80 hours per calendar year to the extent legally permissible) for non-exempt employees and covered by our Flexible Time Off policy for exempt employees)
• Learning and Development resources
• Paid Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits

These benefits are further detailed in Block's policies. This role is also eligible to participate in Block's equity plan subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies, and may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a commission plan subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.
Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location's zone designation, please refer to this resource . If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
Zone A:
$207,900 - $311,900 USD
Zone B:
$207,900 - $311,900 USD
Zone C:
$207,900 - $311,900 USD
Zone D:
$207,900 - $311,900 USD
Use of AI in Our Hiring Process
We may use automated AI tools to evaluate job applications for efficiency and consistency. These tools comply with local regulations, including bias audits, and we handle all personal data in accordance with state and local privacy laws.
Contact us at [email protected] with hiring practice or data usage questions.
Every benefit we offer is designed with one goal: empowering you to do the best work of your career while building the life you want. Remote work, medical insurance, flexible time off, retirement savings plans, and modern family planning are just some of our offering. Check out our other benefits at Block.
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we're helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.