Head of Business Controls Governance and Programs, SVP

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Vice President to lead the Business Controls Governance & Programs function within the first line Business Controls and Enterprise Resiliency organization. This executive will lead various central business controls functions, while driving cross‑functional initiatives that strengthen the firm’s risk and control environment.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in operational risk, business controls, governance frameworks, and enterprise transformation. This role requires exceptional stakeholder engagement, the ability to influence across the organization, and the capability to represent the function at senior executive and board‑level forums.

What you will be responsible for

As SVP – Head of Business Controls Governance & Programs, you will:

Drive Cross‑Functional Controls Transformation

• Stand up and lead cross‑functional initiatives focused on modernizing and improving control design, standardization, automation, and operational effectiveness

• Drive implementation plans for RCSA improvements

• Serve as a strategic partner to business units, technology, compliance, ORM, and internal audit to create a cohesive, integrated control framework.

• Lead AI initiatives around the business controls agenda

• Advance the firm’s control transformation roadmap to elevate maturity, enhance resilience, and strengthen end‑to‑end control performance.

Governance, Executive Engagement & Reporting

• Partner with the EVP to prepare materials and updates for Board Committees, Executive Committees, regulatory interactions, and senior leadership forums.

• Lead quarterly control environment assessments process

• Provide independent insights, challenge, and data‑driven perspectives on the health of the control environment.

• Design and improve reporting, tracking and narratives around our metrics

• Manage enterprise control governance forums, including agenda design, decision flow management, and action‑tracking.

Lead Central Business Control Functions

• Oversee various central Controls teams, ensuring high‑quality execution and strong strategic alignment.

• Establish consistent, enterprise‑wide standards for first line business risk and controls, including documentation expectations and control design principles.

• Establish quality control and assurance routines

• Build and maintain governance routines that provide transparency, oversight, and accountability across the control environment.

Risk Partnership & Integration

• Collaborate closely with Compliance, Operational Risk Management, Enterprise Risk to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and internal standards.

• Enable consistent first‑line ownership of risk and controls by providing guidance, frameworks, and subject‑matter expertise.

• Anticipate emerging risks and industry trends, ensuring the firm proactively adapts its control environment.

People Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and risk excellence.

• Strengthen leadership bench, drive talent development, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Shape and implement the operating model for centralized control activities, ensuring clarity, scalability, and effectiveness.

What we value

• Deep expertise in risk, controls, compliance, governance frameworks, and regulatory expectations.

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to structure complex, multi‑disciplinary programs.

• Exceptional executive communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex issues for senior audiences.

• Proven ability to influence across global, matrixed organizations and build trusted partnerships.

• Strength in driving transformation, standardization, and enterprise‑wide alignment.

• Ability to operate autonomously, anticipate issues, and navigate both strategic and tactical priorities.

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in business controls, operational risk, compliance, audit, or related fields within a large financial institution.

• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise control programs or governance functions.

• Advanced degree or relevant professional designation (e.g., CRCM, CIA, CRMA, CISA) preferred.

• Experience preparing materials for Board or regu