At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business controls governance and drive cross-functional initiatives to enhance risk management.
- Company: Join a global leader in financial services committed to innovation and employee empowerment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, flexible work-life support, and paid volunteer days.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values accountability, collaboration, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of business controls while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in operational risk or compliance with strong leadership and communication skills.
We are seeking a seasoned Senior Vice President to lead the Business Controls Governance & Programs function within the first line Business Controls and Enterprise Resiliency organization. This executive will lead various central business controls functions, while driving cross‑functional initiatives that strengthen the firm’s risk and control environment. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in operational risk, business controls, governance frameworks, and enterprise transformation. This role requires exceptional stakeholder engagement, the ability to influence across the organization, and the capability to represent the function at senior executive and board‑level forums.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Drive Cross‑Functional Controls Transformation
- Stand up and lead cross‑functional initiatives focused on modernizing and improving control design, standardization, automation, and operational effectiveness.
- Drive implementation plans for RCSA improvements.
- Serve as a strategic partner to business units, technology, compliance, ORM, and internal audit to create a cohesive, integrated control framework.
- Lead AI initiatives around the business controls agenda.
- Advance the firm’s control transformation roadmap to elevate maturity, enhance resilience, and strengthen end‑to‑end control performance.
- Governance, Executive Engagement & Reporting
- Partner with the EVP to prepare materials and updates for Board Committees, Executive Committees, regulatory interactions, and senior leadership forums.
- Lead quarterly control environment assessments process.
- Provide independent insights, challenge, and data‑driven perspectives on the health of the control environment.
- Design and improve reporting, tracking and narratives around our metrics.
- Manage enterprise control governance forums, including agenda design, decision flow management, and action‑tracking.
- Lead Central Business Control Functions
- Oversee various central Controls teams, ensuring high‑quality execution and strong strategic alignment.
- Establish consistent, enterprise‑wide standards for first line business risk and controls, including documentation expectations and control design principles.
- Establish quality control and assurance routines.
- Build and maintain governance routines that provide transparency, oversight, and accountability across the control environment.
- Risk Partnership & Integration
- Collaborate closely with Compliance, Operational Risk Management, Enterprise Risk to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and internal standards.
- Enable consistent first‑line ownership of risk and controls by providing guidance, frameworks, and subject‑matter expertise.
- Anticipate emerging risks and industry trends, ensuring the firm proactively adapts its control environment.
- People Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness
- Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and risk excellence.
- Strengthen leadership bench, drive talent development, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Shape and implement the operating model for centralized control activities, ensuring clarity, scalability, and effectiveness.
What We Value
- Deep expertise in risk, controls, compliance, governance frameworks, and regulatory expectations.
- Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to structure complex, multi‑disciplinary programs.
- Exceptional executive communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex issues for senior audiences.
- Proven ability to influence across global, matrixed organizations and build trusted partnerships.
- Strength in driving transformation, standardization, and enterprise‑wide alignment.
- Ability to operate autonomously, anticipate issues, and navigate both strategic and tactical priorities.
Education & Preferred Qualifications
- 15+ years of experience in business controls, operational risk, compliance, audit, or related fields within a large financial institution.
- Demonstrated experience leading enterprise control programs or governance functions.
- Advanced degree or relevant professional designation (e.g., CRCM, CIA, CRMA, CISA) preferred.
- Experience preparing materials for Board or regulatory audiences.
- Mastery in executive reporting, data‑driven insights, and program governance.
Additional Requirements
- Occasional travel may be required.
- Experience operating in a highly regulated, global, matrixed organization strongly preferred.
Salary Range $225,000 - $337,500 Annual. The range quoted above applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location above, the applicable range could differ.
Benefits Employees are eligible to participate in State Street’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes: our retirement savings plan (401K) with company match; insurance coverage including basic life, medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and other optional additional coverages; paid‑time off including vacation, sick leave, short term disability, and family care responsibilities; access to our Employee Assistance Program; incentive compensation including eligibility for annual performance‑based awards (excluding certain sales roles subject to sales incentive plans); and, eligibility for certain tax advantaged savings plans.
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.
Head of Business Controls Governance and Programs, SVP employer: State Street
State Street is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, health insurance, and generous paid time off. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and accountability, empowering employees to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful initiatives that shape the future of financial services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we provide unique opportunities for professional development and engagement within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Controls Governance and Programs, SVP
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your executive communication skills. You’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly and confidently, especially at senior levels. Mock interviews can help you nail this down.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Controls Governance and Programs, SVP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational risk and governance frameworks. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Business Controls Governance and Programs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving transformation. Use your application to demonstrate your people leadership experience and how you've fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration in previous roles.
Be Data-Driven:Since this position involves preparing materials for senior leadership and board-level forums, make sure to include examples of how you've used data-driven insights to influence decision-making in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at State Street
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of operational risk, business controls, and governance frameworks. Brush up on the latest trends in enterprise transformation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas.
✨Engage Stakeholders
Prepare to showcase your exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. Think of examples where you've influenced decisions across different teams or presented to senior executives. This will demonstrate your ability to represent the function at high-level forums.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential leader, it's crucial to convey your approach to developing high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, and share specific instances where you've driven talent development and championed diversity.
✨Prepare for Executive Communication
Practice synthesising complex issues into clear, concise messages. You might be asked to present materials for Board Committees or senior leadership forums, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your mastery in executive reporting.