Credit Risk Initiatives Senior Advisor; Hybrid - Buffalo, NY

Overview:

The Credit Risk Management Initiatives and Program Oversight Senior Risk Advisor is responsible for participating in the development and/or the implementation of risk management practices in line with Enterprise Risk Policies and Programs and lead high profile and complex cross-functional initiatives. Apply knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) policies, frameworks, and governance standards to ensure the credit risk program maintains consistent, aligned, and drives effective practices across the organization.

In this role, the Senior Risk Advisor develops and supports the second line of defense credit risk management program and strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment. Support provided through risk management capabilities and strong cross-functional collaboration, process and procedure documentation, and senior leadership reporting.

Support critical strategic initiatives ensuring initiatives are executed in alignment with risk practices, regulatory expectations, and enterprise objectives. Partner closely with initiative leaders of diverse levels of leadership on information to drive recommendations for organizational decisions- strategy considerations. Provide guidance to resolve complex issues, mitigate systemic risks, and influence risk practices.

Supports the Credit Risk Management Program Office by managing system processes and reporting (Archer eGRC), delivering governance presentations, and fulfilling ad hoc requests. Provides additional departmental support as needed.

• Makes a strong contribution to developing risk management frameworks aligned with ERM, strategic objectives, and regulatory expectations.

• Works independently on complex framework components with minimal oversight.

• Support cross-functional risk-related initiatives and teams from initiation through execution. Key liaison with individuals involved in an environment where the need for and pace of change is dynamic and frequent. Exercise sound judgment and make propose solutions.

• Document, maintain, and enhance policies, procedures, and process flows to identify risks and controls. Assist with the maintenance of the Risk and Control Assessment. Serve as an advisor within the team to foster development within. Identify where process optimization opportunities exist and recommend and implement solutions.

• Partner with senior management to drive efficient remediation of open risks and ensure strong execution within project initiatives

• Strengthen and leverage professional networks to guide and influence internal and external stakeholders, supporting coordinated cross‑functional efforts and effective execution of risk management activities.

• Interpret applicable regulatory requirements. Collaborate within the department to design solutions to ensure compliance with regulator expectations and industry best practices.

• Provide oversight of departmental eGRC system processes, ensuring the platform effectively supports governance, risk, and compliance objectives. Lead system enhancements, streamline workflows, and partner with cross‑functional teams to uphold high‑quality risk data and strong control execution

• Support in regulatory and internal examinations, coordinating cross‑functionally ensuring well‑governed, enterprise‑aligned outcomes.

• Strong collaboration and negotiations skills to gain consensus on key decisions internal to the department and across the bank

• Ensure ongoing awareness of emerging industry standards by proactively researching developments and participating in external training and professional learning programs

• Ensure reporting is easily consumable using current visualization tools (e.g., Power BI.) Oversee the development of appropriate materials.

• Support and mentor team to achieve individual and team goals.

• Bachelors degree and a minimum of 6 years' in prior Risk Management work experience including frameworks, programs, risk and control self‑assessments (RCSAs), issues management, internal control specialist and/or eGRC system

• Skilled in process and policy documentation, including process flows

• Skilled in documenting, maintaining, and enhancing…