About this role:
Wells Fargo is seeking a Senior Lead Operational Risk Officer
In this role, you will:
Provide companywide oversight and governance of an integrated operational risk program or initiative
Develop and drive innovative operational risk approaches and solutions companywide through an influence model
Identify potential business operational risks
Develop and drive innovative operational risk approaches and solutions companywide through an influence model
Constructively and independently challenge existing risk management fundamentals or assumptions and develop alternative approaches and solutions
Evaluate long term implications and consequences of strategic business decisions and recommend appropriate alternatives for risk management
Lead implementation of complex initiatives with high risk, generally spanning multiple business lines
Consult to the business on corrective action plans and effectively managing change
Influence and negotiate with executive management and business heads as high-level stakeholders both within and outside Wells Fargo
Lead initiatives and virtual teams across the organization to deliver companywide business risk management transformations
Collaborate and consult with peers, colleagues, and managers to resolve issues and achieve goals
Lead project or virtual teams and mentor less experienced staff
Required Qualifications:
7+ years of Operational Risk experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
Desired Qualifications:
7+ years of Operational Risk experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear manner
A successful candidate will have the experience and ability to:
Successfully review and challenge business operational risk management practices and outcomes
Build and sustain a strong risk culture including a balanced approach through working in cooperation and consultation with all lines of defense across the enterprise
Leverage their experience to bring industry leading standards, practices and tools to the organization
Job Expectations:
Provide business oversight and governance of an integrated operational risk program or initiative.
Develop and drive, and/or influence, innovative operational risk approaches and solutions companywide.
Demonstrates a deep understanding of the business—its strategic goals, operating objectives, and priorities—to proactively identify and assess operational risks that may impede achievement of those objectives. Leverages this insight to prioritize mitigation efforts and influence risk-informed decision-making across the organization.
Use subject matter expertise and business domain knowledge to provide independent oversight and credible challenge to front line operational risk management activities
Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships that support productive tension and constructive challenge essential to the risk partner role.
Independently challenge business risk-generating and risk-mitigating decisions and assumptions based on facts and analysis, and as appropriate, influence development of alternative, risk-based approaches and solutions.
Evaluate long-term implications and consequences of strategic business decisions and recommend appropriate alternatives for risk management.
Identify and escalate to senior leadership conflicts with risk management results and expected business outcomes
Lead implementation of complex initiatives with high risk, generally spanning multiple business lines.
Consult with aligned businesses on adequacy of developing and implementing corrective action plans.
Effectively provide evaluation and oversight of change management in aligned businesses.
Influence and negotiate with executive management and business heads as high-level stakeholders.
Lead initiatives and virtual teams across the organization to deliver companywide business risk management transformations.
Collaborate and consult with peers, colleagues, and managers to resolve issues and achieve goals.
Lead cross-functional or virtual teams but does not manage other team members.
Mentor less-experienced staff by providing consultative guidance, fostering skill development, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
Develop and deliver content to senior business, Independent Risk, Audit and Regulatory leaders summarizing the results of the independent risk assessment activities
Evaluate cross-program and cross-group analytics to identify opportunities and best practices to influence stronger risk management practices by the business
Engage with other regions and US-based Operational Risk Business Oversight (ORBO) teams to ensure holistic oversight of the end-to-end business is achieved.
Other Desired Qualifications:
Meaningful knowledge across Enterprise Risk Management framework, including: risk identification, risk appetite and strategy, risk-related decisions, processes and controls, risk analytics and governance
Deep 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, Human Resources, Finance, Corporate Risk)
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 relationships
Proven skills to drive alignment across stakeholder groups to develop and deliver repeatable end to end risk management solutions
Industry certification such as CIA/ CFSA/ CFA/ CISA/ CRISC
Posting End Date:
8 Dec 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.