Role Overview for Chief Risk Officer | Regional Bank | Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth regional bank in the vibrant financial hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, in their search for an exceptional Chief Risk Officer (CRO). This is a critical executive leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key advisor to the Board of Directors. The CRO will be the principal architect and steward of the bank’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, responsible for providing the vision, leadership, and governance for all risk-related functions across the institution.
In an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny, technological disruption, and economic uncertainty, the role of the CRO has never been more vital. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of the complex risk landscape facing regional banks today. You will be empowered to build and lead a high-performing risk management organization, fostering a culture where risk is viewed not just as a constraint but as a strategic enabler of sustainable growth and profitability. This executive will be responsible for identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating all material risks, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance, strategic, and reputational risks. Success in this role requires a unique blend of quantitative acumen, regulatory expertise, strategic insight, and the executive presence to effectively challenge and influence business decisions at the highest levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Risk Officer | Regional Bank | Charlotte, NC
As the Chief Risk Officer, you will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
ERM Framework Development & Execution
Design, implement, and continuously enhance a comprehensive, bank-wide Enterprise Risk Management framework that is commensurate with the institution’s size, complexity, and strategic objectives. Ensure the framework is embedded into the bank’s culture and daily operations.
Risk Appetite & Strategy
Lead the annual process to review and recommend the bank’s Risk Appetite Statement to the Board of Directors. Ensure that business strategies and activities are aligned with the approved risk appetite, and provide independent oversight and challenge to strategic initiatives.
Leadership & Team Management
Provide dynamic leadership, mentorship, and professional development to the entire risk management division, including teams focused on credit risk, operational risk, compliance, and information security. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Regulatory Compliance & Relations
Serve as the primary liaison with all regulatory bodies, including the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, and state banking authorities. Ensure the bank maintains full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and supervisory expectations from entities like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Proactively manage regulatory examinations and inquiries.
Board & Executive Reporting
Prepare and present clear, concise, and actionable risk reporting to the Executive Management team, the Risk Committee of the Board, and the full Board of Directors. Provide independent analysis of the bank’s risk profile, emerging threats, and risk-adjusted performance.
Credit Risk Oversight
Provide independent oversight of the bank’s credit risk management function. This includes challenging underwriting standards, portfolio concentrations, loan-loss reserve methodology (CECL), and overall credit quality.
Operational & Enterprise Risk Management
Oversee the management of operational risks, including fraud, cybersecurity, technology, third-party vendor management (TPRM), business continuity, and physical security. Ensure robust risk and control self-assessments (RCSAs) are in place.
Market & Liquidity Risk Oversight
Provide oversight and challenge to the Treasury function regarding the management of interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the bank’s investment portfolio.
Stress Testing & Capital Planning
Lead the bank’s stress testing initiatives (e.g., DFAST) and play a pivotal role in the capital adequacy and planning process (ICAAP), ensuring the bank remains well-capitalized through various economic cycles.
Fostering a Strong Risk Culture
Champion a proactive and transparent risk culture throughout all three lines of defense, where every employee understands their role in managing risk. Promote open communication and effective challenge.
Requirements for the Chief Risk Officer | Regional Bank | Charlotte, NC
We are seeking a seasoned and highly credible risk executive with a proven track record of success within the banking industry. The qualifications for this role are stringent and reflect its importance to the organization.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in risk management, audit, or a related field within the banking or financial services industry.
- At least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity, managing multiple risk disciplines and leading sizable teams.
- Direct experience as a Chief Risk Officer, Deputy CRO, or a similarly scoped senior risk executive at a regulated financial institution, preferably a bank with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion.
- Demonstrable experience in building and maturing an ERM program and interacting directly with federal and state banking regulators.
Education & Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field is required.
- An advanced degree (MBA, MS in Finance, etc.) is strongly preferred.
- Professional certifications such as Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Professional Risk Manager (PRM), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are highly advantageous.
Skills & Competencies:
Executive Presence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate complex risk concepts to diverse audiences, including the Board of Directors.
Strategic Acumen
Ability to think strategically and holistically, balancing risk mitigation with business growth objectives.
Regulatory Expertise
Deep, technical knowledge of US banking laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance.
Analytical Horsepower
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with an ability to interpret complex data and make sound, risk-based judgments.
Leadership & Influence
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team of risk professionals. Must possess the gravitas and credibility to effectively challenge senior business leaders and drive change across the organization.
Integrity
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, ethics, and a commitment to transparency.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual cash bonus and a long-term equity incentive plan tied to individual and company performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with robust wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and parental leave.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Charlotte area.
Professional Growth
A budget for continuing education, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
Community Impact
The opportunity to be a visible leader in a respected institution that is deeply committed to the economic growth and well-being of the Charlotte community.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their resumes and a cover letter detailing their suitability for this critical leadership role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
To apply, please forward your materials to our dedicated executive search team. Due to the high volume of interest, only candidates who meet the specified requirements will be contacted for a preliminary discussion. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit our Financial Services Recruiting practice area.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
