Role Overview for SVP, Risk Management with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented regional bank in their search for a Senior Vice President (SVP) of Risk Management. Based in the vibrant financial hub of St. Louis, Missouri, our client is a pillar of the community, known for its strong balance sheet, customer-centric approach, and commitment to technological innovation. This is a critical executive leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and will play an integral role in shaping the bank’s future by safeguarding its assets, reputation, and strategic objectives.
The SVP, Risk Management is a thought leader and a key architect of the bank’s risk culture. This individual will be responsible for the continued development, implementation, and oversight of the bank’s comprehensive enterprise risk management (ERM) framework. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, strategic risk professional with deep expertise across all major risk categories, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, and compliance risk.
You will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors, providing critical insights and independent challenges to ensure that business strategies are executed within the bank’s established risk appetite. This role demands a unique blend of technical risk acumen, exceptional leadership skills, regulatory savvy, and the ability to foster a proactive, risk-aware culture across the entire organization. You will lead a talented team of risk professionals, driving excellence and ensuring the bank remains resilient and well-positioned for sustainable growth in a complex and evolving regulatory landscape.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Risk Management with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
The SVP, Risk Management will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
ERM Framework Leadership
Direct the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the Enterprise Risk Management framework, ensuring it is robust, comprehensive, and aligned with the bank’s strategic goals and regulatory expectations.
Risk Appetite and Governance
Oversee the development and annual review of the bank’s Risk Appetite Statement. Establish and maintain effective risk governance structures, policies, and procedures to monitor and manage risks across the enterprise.
Regulatory Relations and Compliance
Act as a key liaison with regulatory agencies, including the OCC, FDIC, and the Federal Reserve. Ensure all risk management practices are in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance. Oversee regulatory examinations related to risk management.
Credit Risk Oversight
Provide independent oversight and challenge to the bank’s credit risk management activities. This includes reviewing credit policies, underwriting standards, portfolio concentrations, loan loss reserve adequacy (ALLL/CECL), and credit risk reporting.
Market and Liquidity Risk Management
Oversee the identification, measurement, and management of market and liquidity risk. Collaborate with Treasury to ensure asset/liability management (ALM) strategies, interest rate risk (IRR) models, and contingency funding plans are sound and effective.
Operational Risk Management
Lead the operational risk management program, encompassing areas such as internal fraud, external fraud, business disruption, system failures, process errors, and third-party vendor risk. Enhance the Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process and key risk indicator (KRI) reporting.
Technology and Cybersecurity Risk
In partnership with the CISO, provide oversight of the bank’s information security and cybersecurity risk management programs, ensuring threats are identified and mitigated effectively to protect the bank’s data and systems.
Strategic Leadership and Reporting
Provide executive leadership with timely, accurate, and insightful reporting on the bank’s overall risk profile. Prepare and present comprehensive risk reports to the CRO, executive committees, and the Board of Directors, offering strategic recommendations to mitigate emerging risks.
Stress Testing and Capital Planning
Oversee the bank’s stress testing programs (e.g., DFAST principles) to assess the potential impact of severe economic scenarios on capital adequacy. Integrate stress testing results into strategic and capital planning processes.
Model Risk Management
Direct the bank’s model risk management program, ensuring all models used for decision-making are properly validated, documented, and monitored for performance in accordance with regulatory guidance (SR 11-7).
Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of risk management professionals. Foster a collaborative and proactive culture, promoting continuous learning and professional growth within the risk management function.
Requirements for the SVP, Risk Management with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
We are seeking a highly qualified professional with a proven track record of success in senior risk management roles within the banking industry.
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in risk management within a commercial bank or financial services institution, with at least 7 years in a significant leadership capacity.
- Demonstrated expertise in building and managing an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program at a financial institution with assets exceeding $10 billion.
- In-depth, expert-level knowledge of banking regulations, including but not limited to those from the OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, and CFPB.
- Proven experience interacting directly and successfully with federal and state banking regulators.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable business insights.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus with senior executives, board members, and regulators.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and risk management.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA, Master’s degree in a quantitative field, or a relevant professional certification such as Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Professional Risk Manager (PRM), or Certified Enterprise Risk Professional (CERP).
- Experience in a publicly traded banking environment.
- Direct experience with CECL implementation and oversight.
- Familiarity with GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) software platforms and other risk management technologies.
- Experience managing risk through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and organic growth phases.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier executive talent. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual bonus and long-term incentive plan (LTI) tied to individual and company performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with a robust employee wellness program.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
A substantial paid time off (PTO) package, paid company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continued professional development, including certifications, conferences, and executive education programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Community Involvement
Paid time off for volunteering and company-sponsored community engagement initiatives.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this executive search. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Financial Services & Banking Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
