Managing Director, Governance Lead

If you’re looking for a meaningful career, you’ll find it here at Webster. Founded in 1935, our focus has always been to put people first--doing whatever we can to help individuals, families, businesses and our colleagues achieve their financial goals. As a leading commercial bank, we remain passionate about serving our clients and supporting our communities. Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Agility, Respect, Excellence are Webster’s values, these set us apart as a bank and as an employer.  

Come join our team where you can expand your career potential, benefit from our robust development opportunities, and enjoy meaningful work!

Position Summary

The role of Chief Controls Office – Managing Director, Governance Lead at Webster Bank will play a critical leadership role in overseeing and strengthening the bank’s control environment. This individual will be responsible for leading governance across Front Line Control Office functions, including designing and implementing an overarching governance framework, ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in Risk Governance, Operational Risk Management, Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA), and Risk Reporting within the banking sector. This individual will also be involved with strategic and transformational initiatives and the delivery of critical, large-scale, complex, high-visibility, regulatory remediation programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement an overarching governance framework that establishes consistent policies, standards, and procedures across the Front Line Control organization to ensure alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

• Develop and enforce polices and standards that promote effective governance, ensuring that all Front Line Control teams adhere to the same practices for operational consistency and compliance.

• Drive the universal adoption of governance practices across the enterprise, ensuring that all business units understand, adopt, and implement the established framework.

• Monitor adherence to governance polices and standards, identifying potential gaps and risks, and implementing corrective actions to maintain compliance with internal and external requirements.

• Facilitate communication between the first line and board & management level risk committees and ensuring the implementation of approved risk management policies.

• Leadership & Strategy: Lead and execute the overall strategy for the Front Line Control Governance function within the bank, aligning with the vision and objectives set by the Chief Controls Officer and the Senior Managing Director, Governance Lead and Quality Assurance.

• Risk Program Management: Assist with the development and maintenance of governance documents for risk programs across the Front Line Control organization.

• Reporting & Communication: Prepare comprehensive reports for senior management, regulatory bodies, board committees, and Front Line Units detailing control effectiveness, quality assurance outcomes, and action plans for identified gaps.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines of defense to ensure that risk management practices are embedded within business processes.

• Training & Awareness: Lead and execute training sessions and workshops to enhance awareness and understanding of risk and control programs among staff and foster a proactive risk culture.

• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and improve methodologies and processes to adapt to changes in the regulatory environment, business operations, and emerging risks.

• Audit & Regulatory Coordination: Support internal audits and regulatory reviews related to risk and control programs.  Ensure that documentation and evidence are prepared and available for audit and examination purposes.

• Risk Management: Collaborate with senior leadership and department heads to identify and evaluate key risks, implement risk control measures, and monitor risk mitigation efforts.

• Compliance Assurance: Ensure adherence to applicable regulations and banking standards, partnering closely with Compliance, Internal Audit, and other control functions.

Requirements

Education:

• Candidates with advanced degrees (Associates, Bachelor’s, and/or Master’s) preferred, yet a High School diploma or GED is required.  Candidates with some combination of coursework and experience, or else extensive related professional experience, are eligible for consideration

​Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in risk management, operational risk, or internal audit within the banking or financial services industry.

• Substantial experience in leading risk governance or Operational Risk Management programs within the banking sector.

• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the banking sector.

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of governance, change management, banking regulations, risk management frameworks, internal control standards, and QA best practices.

• Strong understanding of operational risk management techniques and control assessment methodologies.

• Knowledge of OCC Heightened Standards and Regulatory Category IV banking requirements preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership and project management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to present complex information clearly.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective working relationships across business units and lines of defense.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and operational acumen.
• Strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in risk management software and data analysis tools.

This role has a hybrid work schedule and can be based in our NYC, Jericho, Southington, Stamford, Rhode Island or Massachusetts.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $170,000 USD to $190,000 USD.  Actual salary may vary up or down depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position is eligible for incentive compensation.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.