Executive Director, Chief of Staff to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

The Chief of Staff to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) serves as a strategic advisor, operational leader, and execution partner to the CRO, supporting the effective management of enterprise-wide risk across the investment bank. This role acts as a force multiplier for the CRO, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into actionable initiatives, governance processes operate efficiently, and risk leadership remains aligned with regulatory expectations, business objectives, and market conditions.

The Chief of Staff operates at the intersection of strategy, risk governance, regulatory engagement, and senior stakeholder management, with significant exposure to executive management, and regulators.

Strategic Advisory & Execution

• Partner closely with the CRO to define, prioritize, and execute the Risk function’s strategic agenda across all risk disciplines (e.g., Credit, Market, Liquidity, Counterparty, Model, Operational, and Non-Financial Risk).
• Translate high-level strategic objectives into clear execution plans, milestones, and KPIs, ensuring timely delivery across Risk teams.
• Provide analytical and strategic input on emerging risks, market developments, regulatory changes, and business initiatives impacting the firm’s risk profile.
• Act as a thought partner to the CRO, preparing decision frameworks, scenario analyses, and executive-level recommendations.

Risk Governance & Committees

• Oversee the end-to-end coordination of risk governance forums, including Executive Risk Committee, Board Risk Committee, and key sub-committees.
• Ensure materials are concise, analytically robust, and aligned with regulatory and Board expectations.
• Track decisions, actions, and follow-ups arising from governance forums, ensuring accountability and timely closure.
• Continuously enhance governance processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.

Regulatory & Supervisory Engagement

• Support the CRO in managing relationships with regulators and supervisors, including preparation for exams, reviews, and ongoing supervisory dialogue.
• Coordinate regulatory responses across Risk and the broader organization, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Track regulatory commitments, remediation plans, and consent order actions (if applicable), providing regular status updates to senior management.
• Monitor regulatory developments globally and assess implications for the bank’s risk framework and operating model.

Operating Model & Transformation

• Drive cross-risk and cross-functional initiatives, including target operating model design, process reengineering, and technology-enabled transformation.
• Identify opportunities to enhance risk analytics, reporting, controls, and data quality.
• Support budget planning, headcount strategy, and vendor management for the Risk function.
• Act as a central point of coordination for large-scale risk programs and regulatory change initiatives.

Senior Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a key liaison between the CRO and senior executives across Front Office, Finance, Treasury, Compliance, Legal, Operations, and Technology.
• Represent the CRO in select meetings and forums, as appropriate, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.
• Facilitate alignment between Risk and business leadership on risk appetite, limit frameworks, and strategic transactions.

Communications & Executive Management

• Prepare executive communications on behalf of the CRO, including Board presentations, CEO updates, town halls, and regulator-facing materials.
• Ensure consistent messaging regarding risk strategy, priorities, and performance across the organization.
• Support internal talent and leadership initiatives within the Risk function, including succession planning and culture initiatives.

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What You Bring:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

• 10+ years of experience in Risk Management, Strategy, Consulting, or a related function within an investment bank or comparable financial institution.
• Strong understanding of investment banking products and risks (e.g., leveraged finance, capital markets, derivatives, structured products).
• Demonstrated experience working with senior executives, Boards, and regulators.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives in a highly regulated environment.
• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a Chief of Staff, Strategy, or PMO role supporting C-suite leadership.
• Background in regulatory remediation, stress testing, capital or liquidity frameworks.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Finance, Economics, or related field).
• Familiarity with global regulatory regimes (e.g., Fed, OCC, ECB, PRA).

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline
• Executive presence and judgment
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• High integrity and discretion
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and under pressure

Certifications:

• No Certifications listed for this job.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

Maximum:

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander 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, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standingand walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.