About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Operational Risk Officer

In this role, you will:

Develop, implement, and monitor risk-based programs to identify, assess, and mitigate any operational risk that arises from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, systems, or external eventsMaintain a balance between risk mitigation and operational efficiencyEvaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, systems, and internal controlsAnalyze extremely complex business and system changes to determine impact, identify operational risk issues and participate in the development of risk ratingsProvide operational risk expertise and consulting to complex business units for initiatives with high risk, generally spanning multiple business linesDesign and develop the most complex testing strategies, methodologies and analysesConsult with the business to develop corrective action plans and effectively manage changeIdentify training opportunitiesDesign and coordinate the development of training materials and coordinate or deliver trainingReport findings and develop business cases to influence executive management, management committee member or head of business on the need for controls to mitigate riskCollaborate and consult with peers, colleagues, and managers to resolve issues and achieve goalsLead project or virtual teams and mentor less experienced staff

Required Qualifications:

5+ years of Operational Risk experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

Desired Qualifications:

University degree in Business or related discipline.10+ years of overall experience; 5+ years of experience in risk management or front line controls functionAdvanced Microsoft Office skillsExcellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy Ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear mannerMeaningful knowledge across Enterprise Risk Management framework, including: risk identification, risk appetite and strategy, risk-related decisions, processes and controls, risk analytics and governanceDeep technical understanding of specific business operations processes, products and customer interactions and where they manifest risk (e.g. Corporate & Investment Banking/ Commercial Banking/ Consumer Lending/ Consumer & Small Business Banking/ Wealth & Investment Management/Enterprise Functions)Strong interpersonal, influencing, and communications skills with an ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels, experience and the ability to effectively manage and build relationshipsProven skills to drive alignment across stakeholder groups to develop and deliver repeatable end to end risk management solutionsIndustry certification such as CIA/ CFSA/ CFA/ CISA/ CRISC/ FRM would be an advantageAbility to work in a dynamic environment, and adjust to changing prioritiesFlexible to work across different time zones as per business requirementsHighly proactive, able to work both independently and within a collaborative team-oriented environment using sound judgment in decision-making.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with virtual and/or geographically dispersed teams

Job Expectations:

Lead Operational Risk Officer is an Individual Contributor role responsible for providing support to enterprise-wide oversight and governance of complex business group or manages integrated enterprise-wide operational risk program(s) / initiative(s). Proactively identifies potential business operational risks. Develops and drives innovative operational risk approaches and solutions across the enterprise through an influence model.

Use subject matter expertise and business domain knowledge to provide independent oversight and credible challenge to front line operational risk management activitiesSupport routine engagement requirements for/with the Control Executive teams, Function Heads and Independent Risk leaders to promote a strong operational risk cultureSupport key front line governance routines inclusive of Risk & Control committees and business reviewsOversee and challenge the front line across all operational risk routines including – plan, identify and assess, control and mitigate, test and validate, monitor and reportPerform independent risk assessment of the front line, inclusive of emerging risksReview and challenge of front line risk acceptances and new business initiativesIdentify and escalate to senior leadership conflicts with risk management results and expected business outcomesEvaluate cross-program and cross-group analytics to identify opportunities and best practices to influence stronger risk management practices by the businessProvide consulting to business on corrective action plans and effectively managing changeDevelop and deliver content to senior business, Independent Risk, Audit and Regulatory leaders summarizing the results of the independent risk assessment activitiesAssist manage relationships with Business Head, Independent Risk Management, Group Control Executives, Legal, Audit and multiple RegulatorsMay lead project/ virtual teams and may mentor but does not manage other team members.Engage with other region and US-based Operational Risk Business Oversight (ORBO) teams to ensure holistic oversight of the end to end business is achieved.

This role requires business engagement to drive and effect change.  The candidate should have specific business domain exposure and experience in risk management activities either as an Independent Risk Management or Front Line Controls.

 A successful candidate will have the experience and ability to:

Successfully review and challenge business operational risk management practices and outcomesBuild and sustain a strong risk culture including a balanced approach through working in cooperation and consultation with all lines of defense across the enterpriseLeverage their experience to bring industry leading standards, practices and tools to the organization

Posting End Date: 

20 Aug 2025

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

We Value Equal Opportunity

Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

Candidates applying to job openings posted in Canada: Applications for employment are encouraged from all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, aboriginal peoples and visible minorities. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process.

Applicants with Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

 

Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace.  Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.

Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:

a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.

b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.