First Line Risk Program Lead - Technology & Enterprise Operations

This role is four days onsite at our Seneca One Buffalo, NY location, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week

Implement defined first line of defense risk management initiatives within the business unit in support of the Enterprise Risk Framework. Manage the risk work and employee assignments to those initiatives responsible for risk and control functions in the business unit. Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for execution of risk functions. Serve as a trusted advisor to First Line Risk leadership and Risk Advisors by establishing programs and procedures, promoting consistent execution, providing guidance, and monitoring program effectiveness.

• Provide oversight and guidance for the execution of key First Line Risk programs, including RCSA, Control Testing, Issues Management, and Risk Reporting, promoting consistent application of enterprise standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to Risk Advisors, managers, and leadership on risk management methodologies, frameworks, processes, and best practices.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance program governance, procedures, templates, and quality standards to promote consistent and effective execution across teams.
• Perform quality reviews over risk program deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to enterprise guidance.
• Develop and implement enhancements that strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and maturity of First Line Risk programs.
• Monitor program execution across teams, identify trends, risks, emerging issues, and opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Support enterprise and regulatory initiatives by translating requirements into actionable guidance.
• Lead complex risk management initiatives and special projects that have significant visibility and impact across the organization.
• Develop executive presentations that provide leadership with meaningful insights into risk exposures, control effectiveness, program performance, and emerging risks.
• Partner with stakeholders to enhance reporting capabilities, data quality, and risk program metrics.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and support to Risk Advisors and risk program participants on the execution of risk management activities.
• Promote consistency in the interpretation and application of risk management standards across business units and capabilities.
• Identify training needs and facilitate knowledge sharing, education, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen organizational risk management capabilities.
• Provide oversight of RCSAs, control assessments, testing results, remediation plans, and issue management activities.
• Evaluate risks and control environments to identify potential gaps, emerging risks, and areas requiring management attention.
• Support leadership in the escalation, communication, and resolution of significant risk, control, and regulatory matters.
• Implement and oversee the adherence to policies and procedures for the business unit. This includes identifying updates or enhancements as business unit processes change. In addition, assist in responding to both internal and external requests in relation to departmental processes and procedures. 
• Provide informal coaching of staff.  Provide input to manager with regard to staff performance and growth/development of staff functions and responsibilities for risk initiatives they lead.
• Adhere to applicable compliance/operational risk controls in accordance with Company or regulatory standards and policies.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 9 years' higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience