Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory Manager

The role:

The Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory Manager will be responsible for evaluating and strengthening SoFi's operational risk framework through agile targeted reviews focused on critical business decisions and opportunities, including new product launches and major change initiatives. This role requires a dynamic professional with a deep understanding of operational risk and the ability to conduct rapid, targeted assessments to ensure controls remain robust and the company's operational risk profile is appropriately managed.

This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a critical function within the second line of defense. The manager will work closely with senior leadership across the business, providing independent, data-driven insights and challenges to proactively address emerging risks. The work will directly influence strategic decisions and contribute to the overall resilience of the company. We are looking for a proactive leader who can not only execute reviews but also innovate and enhance credible challenge methodologies to keep pace with a rapidly evolving business landscape.

What you’ll do: 

• Lead the execution of the Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory program, with a primary focus on operational risk reviews (“Specialty Reviews”) initiated in response to specific events and opportunities
• Conduct targeted, risk-based assessments to evaluate new business initiatives, products, and services, identifying and assessing changes to the operational risk profile
• Provide credible challenge and oversight to the first line of defense (1LOD) on the design and implementation of new and modified business processes, procedures, and controls
• Influence and monitor progress of corrective action plans to improve the risk and control environment 
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and actionable reporting to leadership and governance committees
• Maintain awareness of current regulatory/industry trends impacting the operational risk management program
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational risk methodologies and practices
• Build and grow talent through mentoring, coaching, and training
• Maintain familiarity of, and technical expertise with, business unit(s) organizational structure, personnel, activities and products, new product development, financial performance, and risk and problem areas

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor's degree
• 8+ years of relevant operational risk credible challenge, regulatory, examination or Internal Audit experience
• Strong understanding of control frameworks, testing methodologies, and risk assessments
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability to positively influence all levels of personnel, including senior leadership
• Strong understanding of risk governance and second line of defense processes used to review and challenge front line business unit risk management processes
• Wide breadth of knowledge regarding primary risks associated with the products and services SoFi offers
• Experience in banking and/or fintech industry, including regulatory experience
• Proven experience in leading and executing targeted reviews or audits with a focus on quick turnarounds.
• Exceptional data visualization skills
• Self-motivated with strong collaboration and influencing skills
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to change; comfortable dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty
• Excellent critical and creative thinking, decision-making and innovative problem-solving skills

Nice to have:

• Tableau data visualization and analysis
• Experience working in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
• Advanced degree or relevant industry certifications (CPA, CCRM, ACAMS, CIA)
• Ability to drive innovation, new practices
• Experience interacting with regulators (Federal Reserve, OCC, CFPB)
• Multi-lingual (Spanish)