Head of Business Controls Strategic Initiatives & Programs, SVP (Senior MD)

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Vice President to lead the Business Controls Strategic Initiatives and 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

As SVP – Head of Business Controls Strategic Initiatives & Programs, you will:

Drive Cross‑Functional Initiatives and efficiency

• Partner EVP to design and implement target operating model for Business Risk and Controls

• Stand up and lead cross‑functional initiatives focused on modernizing and improving control design, standardization, automation, and operational effectiveness

• Lead automated controls initiatives

• Interface with Enterprise Transformation program

• Stewards operational risk event program from first line

• Partner with Business Risk Management executives across firm to improve processes and practices

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

• Lead central Issues management governance

• Steward enterprise control governance forums, including agenda design and decision flow management

Lead Central Business Control Functions

• Oversee various central Controls teams, including policy governance and SOC functions

• Further enhance 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.

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.

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