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Position Summary
Responsible for the development and execution of the Operational Risk Framework to enable the Bank to effectively identify operational risk, maintain effective systems and controls to minimize operational losses, and safeguard its reputation. Leads and mentors risk management team in the development and execution of risk frameworks, works closely with business units to support risk-aware decision making, enhancement of organizational resiliency, and ensures alignment with enterprise strategy. Responsible for presenting comprehensive risk insights to executive and board-level stakeholders and ensuring continuous improvement of risk management practices across the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Directs the creation, review, and continuous improvement of Operational Risk Management policies and frameworks across the organization.
Establishes and oversees processes for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing Operational Risks organization-wide, including Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) and Scenario Analysis.
Responsible for the development, execution, and oversight of risk mitigation tracking processes and supporting business units in validating effective risk controls are in place.
Monitor, analyze, and report on operational risk exposures to management and the board, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
Designs and executes risk management communication and training strategies. Supports enterprise-wide operational risk culture change initiatives.
Selects, implements, and optimizes GRC systems; leads tool adoption and integration.
Establishes a culture of proactive problem-solving; Anticipates organizational risks and develops innovative, enterprise-wide solutions for complex challenges.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Skills
Demonstrates exceptional communication skills at the executive and board level; crafts and delivers high-impact presentations; represents the Operational Risk function in external and high-stakes internal engagements.
Builds consensus among senior leadership and external partners; drives enterprise-wide Operational Risk initiatives through influence and strategic partnerships; acts as a trusted advisor on risk matters.
Leads advanced analytics initiatives; develops new methodologies and provides strategic insights to leadership.
Sets quality standards for the team; implements controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Designs and presents to executive leadership and external stakeholders; recognized as a thought leader.
Education and/or Experience
Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, or equivalent) required
8+ years of relevant experience in banking or financial services, including significant leadership and strategic responsibilities.
5+ years of direct risk management or related experience, with extensive leadership in risk management functions and cross-functional teams. Recognized as a subject matter expert and thought leader in risk management.
Computer Skills
MS Office programs
Advanced GRC and Analytics Tools
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Risk Management Certification (CREP or similar) preferred
Other Qualifications (including physical requirements)
Other
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
Skills Training
Communication
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Equal Employment Opportunity Information: Simmons First National Corporation and its subsidiaries are committed to a policy of equal employment with respect to a person's race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, covered veterans, military status, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected classifications.
Skills Required
- Advanced degree (Master's, MBA, or equivalent)
- 8+ years relevant experience in banking or financial services with leadership responsibilities
- 5+ years direct risk management or related experience with extensive leadership in risk functions
- Exceptional executive- and board-level communication and presentation skills
- Proven ability to build consensus and influence senior leadership and stakeholders
- Experience leading advanced analytics initiatives and developing risk methodologies
- Experience selecting, implementing, and optimizing GRC systems
- Proficiency with MS Office programs
- Experience with advanced analytics tools
- Risk Management Certification (CREP or similar)
Simmons Bank Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Simmons Bank and has not been reviewed or approved by Simmons Bank.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental and vision coverage are paired with an HSA that includes company funding. Dedicated care options and access to no‑cost services for covered members strengthen day‑to‑day healthcare support.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with employer match is complemented by an employee stock purchase plan and profit‑sharing eligibility. Occasional discretionary company contributions further boost long‑term savings potential.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A combined PTO bank and up to ten paid company holidays provide structured time away. Paid leave programs support coverage for key life events.
Simmons Bank Insights
What We Do
We were founded as a community bank. More than 100 years later, we still act like one. For over a century, we’ve worked hard to help make our customers’ dreams come true – dreams like buying a home, starting a business or simply having the ability to manage your money safely and securely, anywhere you happen to be. Simmons Bank has 200 locations and employs 2,800 associates across our six-state footprint
