Head of Business Controls Transformation, SVP (Senior Managing Director) in London

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Managing Director/Senior Vice President to lead Business Risk and controls transformation. This leader will be responsible for driving enterprise-wide improvements to first line risk and control practices through the use of AI tools, automation and standardization. This is a key leadership role which sits on the enterprise business risk and control leadership team.

The role holder will also spearhead AI efforts for business risk and control processes, driving efficiencies and improving practices. They will own the strategy, roadmap, and value realization for agent-driven solutions.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in risk and controls, strong transformation leadership and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across global, matrixed environments. This role partners closely with Compliance, Operational Risk, Internal Audit, Technology, and business units to modernize the firm’s control environment and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and enterprise standards. The position may be based in Boston, New York or London and supports global coordination across key regions.

What you will be responsible for:

• Lead the controls transformation program, focusing on modernization, simplification, and control automation. Design and track measures of success.
• Spearhead AI transformation efforts for business risk and control - partnering with second line and technology partners to reduce manual efforts and create signals and insights.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities where AI automation can materially improve accuracy, cycle time, resilience, and control effectiveness.
• Partner with the EVP to design and advance the business controls roadmap and execution plans.
• Partner with integrated risk management tool team to design improvements to tools and practices.
• Partner with Business Risk Managers to simplify and improve first line RCSA protocols and linkage to processes, enabled by AI where possible.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Operational Risk Management, Internal Audit, Technology, and business units to ensure consistency in control design and regulatory alignment.
• Build and manage governance routines including steering committees, transformation forums, and senior-level reporting.
• Develop and enhance enterprise control design standards, taxonomies, and documentation control weaknesses, emerging risks, and opportunities to strengthen the control environment across business functions.
• Oversee cross-functional workstreams to deliver effective, timely control enhancements.
• Prepare and present executive-ready insights, materials, and updates for senior leadership and oversight forums.
• Enable strong first-line ownership of risk and controls by creating simplified guidance, frameworks, and tools that drive consistent execution.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and risk excellence across Boston, London, and global teams.

What we value:

• Deep knowledge of risk management, business controls, compliance, internal audit, and regulatory expectations.
• Tangible experience with scoping of AI use cases, implementing AI solutions and driving innovation to enable streamlining and efficiency.
• Proven ability to drive large-scale, multi-functional transformation programs in global environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to structure complex issues and develop actionable solutions.
• Excellent executive communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for senior audiences.
• Ability to influence across highly matrixed organizations and build strong relationships with global stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on modernization, simplification, and operational resilience.

Education & Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in business controls, risk, audit, compliance, or transformation in a global financial institution.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-level control or risk transformation in using AI to enhance risk and control processes – ideation, scoping, testing and execution.
• Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CRCM, CIA, CISA, CRMA) preferred.
• Strong proficiency in program governance, management reporting, and control analytics.

Additional Requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required.
• Experience working across global teams, particularly in the U.S. and U.K., strongly preferred.

About State Street:

Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. We keep our clients at the heart of everything we do, and smart, engaged employees are essential to our continued success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As an essential partner in our shared success, you’ll benefit from inclusive development opportunities, flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks that keep you connected to what matters most. Join us in shaping the future.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.