Enterprise Risk Manager

Description

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We’re passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We’re dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Summary of Position:

The Vice President, Enterprise Risk Manager, is responsible for leading and coordinating the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) activities, including risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting across all risk categories. This role is instrumental in supporting the Bank’s risk governance structure, executing enterprise-wide risk assessments, and developing robust risk metrics, dashboards, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to inform decision-making. The role will also oversee elements of the Model Risk Management framework and help ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and internal policies.

Responsibilities Include:

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM): 

• Lead the execution of the annual and ongoing enterprise risk assessments across all risk domains (credit, market, operational, liquidity, compliance, strategic, reputation, etc.).
• Maintain the ERM framework, policies, and procedures to ensure effective identification, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of risks.
• Facilitate risk and control self-assessments (RCSAs) in collaboration with business units.
• Support Risk Committee governance, including preparing materials and reporting for senior management, board committees, and regulators.

Risk Metrics and Reporting: 

• Develop and maintain Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and risk appetite metrics.
• Create executive dashboards and regular reporting packages that provide insight into emerging and residual risks.
• Monitor and analyze risk trends to proactively recommend corrective actions or enhancements to the control environment.

Model Risk Management:

• Oversee the model risk governance process, including model inventory, risk-tiering, validation, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with model owners to ensure proper documentation, change management, and independent validation are in place per the Bank’s Model Risk Management Policy.
• Coordinate periodic model validation efforts, either internally or through third-party vendors, and ensure findings are addressed timely.

Risk Program Support:

• Participate in regulatory exams and internal audits by preparing documentation and responding to risk-related inquiries.
• Serve as a risk advisor to the business, promoting risk awareness and partnering to strengthen the Bank’s risk culture.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Economics, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in banking risk management, audit, or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of ERM frameworks (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000) and model risk management guidance (SR 11-7).
• Experience developing risk dashboards and reporting using tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present complex risk topics to senior audiences.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Enterprise Risk Professional (CRMP, FRM, or equivalent)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), or similar