Operational Risk Liaison

Job Summary 

The Operational Risk Liaison is responsible for ensuring successful adherence to and implementation of assigned enterprise-risk programs, working with risk owners for various areas of the First Line of Defense (1LOD), as well as operational and support functions. 

The Operational Risk Liaison will assume a pivotal role as an advisor and partner supporting business units, in various areas of the Bank, as appropriate. Responsibilities will encompass supporting the 1LOD with the identification of risks and issues, identification and assessment of control design and operating effectiveness, as well as gap assessments and other analyses to ensure policy and regulatory adherence leveraging industry best practices and regulatory insights. This position must have demonstrated experience across banking activities as well as with pertinent regulatory matters (e.g., the Community Reinvestment Act, UDAAP, etc.), and be able to work collaboratively across different businesses and lines of defense in a matrixed environment to help influence successful enterprise-wide outcomes, and consistency of programs. 
 

Essential Duties 

• At the direction of the Operational Risk Manager, function as the designated point of contact for the 1LOD to facilitate the identification and assessment of risks and controls.
• Effectively advise, help, and support the 1LOD with informed and valuable risk and control perspectives.
• Work collaboratively with 2nd and 3rd line colleagues across disciplines in support of a strong control environment and effective risk management practice.
• Support the consistent and effective execution of key risk program activities including but not limited to Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSAs) and Internal Control Testing to identify and assess the risks and their associated controls.
• Support the development of strong risk culture, risk conduct, and risk literacy in the 1LOD.
• Provide directions to control teams in support of organizational risk management priorities.
• Support and facilitate audit and exam activities.
• Develop expertise in relevant Farmers and Merchant Bank policies and procedures and from time to time assist in their enhancement.
• Support and facilitate first line colleagues in the identification, design and enhancement of preventive and detective controls.
• Build and grow risk talent in the organization through coaching, performance management, and training.
   
   

Complies with all State and Federal Banking regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: BSA, Anti-Money Laundering OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, Sexual Harassment, Information Security, and privacy requirements. This position will elevate suspicious activity to supervisory staff and/or BSA department. Completes compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.

Basic Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong problem-solving skills, including defining and deconstructing complex problems, prioritizing issues and analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills - and ability to interact with colleagues at all levels in a peer-like way and achieve goals without direct control over resources.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, work under pressure, manage multiple priorities and deliver high caliber results.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio (a plus).
• Excellent time management, organizational, and prioritization skills and ability to balance multiple priorities.
• An outstanding ability to analyze problems, structure and apply quantitative analytical approaches, communicate effectively and confidently (both oral and written), work well in cross-functional teams.
• Quick learning ability and thorough attention to details 
• Operate well under stress, even faced with tight timelines for ambitious deliverables. 
• Experience in operational change with front line to senior leadership personnel.

Officer Title Eligibility

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title to an employee who seeks and/or meets defined competencies for an eligible position. This position qualifies for the officer title(s) Assistant Vice President, Vice President.