Citi

Operational Risk Manager

Heredia Costa Rica Full time

The Operational Risk Manager provides full leadership, strategic direction, and supervisory oversight for a team responsible for ensuring operational excellence, strong risk management practices, and consistent execution of control activities across a large, distributed operational environment. The role applies deep subject‑matter expertise in operational risk, quality control, and process management to enhance the control framework, reduce recurring issues, and strengthen risk identification and mitigation practices.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Risk & Control Management

  • Establish and oversee the application of operational risk policies, control frameworks, governance processes, and supporting technologies to minimize losses from internal control failures and emerging risks.
  • Independently assess risks and drive actions to address root causes, challenging both historical and proposed practices.
  • Participate in senior leadership reviews to ensure processes, controls, and documentation adequately address risk and compliance requirements.
  • Lead or contribute to defect and issue root‑cause analysis in partnership with business and operations leaders.

Quality Control & Monitoring

  • Manage and enhance Quality Control and Monitoring programs, ensuring reviews are completed accurately, consistently, and on schedule.
  • Review and analyze operational data to identify trends, gaps, and control weaknesses; escalate emerging risks as appropriate.
  • Evaluate and prioritize requests for additional monitoring activities based on risk impact.
  • Drive efficiency in QC processes through automation, advanced assessment tools, and improved production standards.
  • Provide clear communication and guidance on QC methodologies to team members, operational partners, and leadership.

Leadership & Team Management

  • Provide full supervisory responsibility including performance evaluations, coaching, hiring, compensation recommendations, and daily oversight.
  • Deliver feedback and performance management to ensure high‑quality output and continuous improvement.
  • Build strong internal partnerships and trusted relationships across operational and risk teams.
  • Serve as a subject‑matter expert (SME) to senior stakeholders and other team members.

Business Governance & Compliance

  • Support the preparation of materials for executive‑level reporting and governance forums.
  • Ensure adherence to applicable laws, policies, and regulations, applying sound ethical judgment at all times.
  • Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and proactive risk management.
  • Appropriately escalate control issues and ensure timely remediation by responsible parties.

Qualifications

  • 5–8 years of experience in Operational Risk, Financial Crimes, AML Investigations, or related risk/control functions.
  • Experience in operational leadership within a high‑volume, production‑oriented environment.
  • Strong knowledge of operational processes and controls within a distributed or retail‑focused business model.
  • Strong analytical and decision‑making skills with the ability to interpret data and identify root causes.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict‑resolution skills.
  • Advanced proficiency with technology, systems, and data‑driven tools.

Education

Bachelor’s/University degree or equivalent experience.

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Job Family Group:

Risk Management

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Job Family:

Operational Risk

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Time Type:

Full time

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Most Relevant Skills

Analytical Thinking, Constructive Debate, Controls Design, Escalation Management, Issue Management, Operational Risk, Policy and Procedure, Policy and Regulation, Risk Controls and Monitors, Risk Identification and Assessment.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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