Senior Manager, Risk Governance and PMO

Summary of

Job Description:

The Senior Manager, Risk Governance & PMO manages Panda Restaurant Group's incident management, crisis management, and business continuity programs. This position serves as the central coordination point for operational, legal, regulatory, safety, technology, and reputational events by facilitating cross-functional response, supporting executive decision-making, and ensuring timely escalation. The Senior Manager develops governance processes, response plans, and resilience strategies that protect Panda's associates, guests, operations, and brand.

This position manages Risk Analyst(s) in support of the PMO function.

Job Responsibilities:

Serves as Panda’s intake and PMO coordination lead for significant issues, incidents, crises, and business continuity events. Assesses severity, identifies appropriate stakeholders, and routes matters through established governance and escalation protocols. Acts as the primary liaison among internal functions and external business partners during significant events, coordinating communication and integrating critical third-party continuity and emergency response plans into Panda’s resilience program.

Coordinates cross-functional response efforts involving Operations, Legal, Communications, HR, FSQA, Supply Chain, Asset Protection, Information Systems, Facilities, Finance, and other stakeholders. Facilitates meetings, assigns actions, tracks progress, and monitors issues through resolution.

Develops, maintains, and tests Panda's incident management, crisis management, and business continuity programs, including governance frameworks, response plans, playbooks, escalation procedures, and tabletop exercises.

Monitors emerging operational, regulatory, legal, technology, security, and reputational risks. Prepares executive situation reports, leadership briefings, and recommends escalation when established thresholds are met.

Proactively identifies opportunities to reduce or eliminate risk during developing events. Coordinates timely de-escalation strategies and practical solutions to contain exposure and minimize operational, legal, social media, and reputational impact.

Leads continuous improvement of Panda's governance, resilience, and incident management programs through benchmarking, policy development, technology implementation, training, and lessons learned. 8%
Provides project management support for enterprise Risk Management initiatives and strategic cross-functional projects. Coordinates implementation, tracks milestones, maintains documentation, and facilitates stakeholder communication.

Applies a strong understanding of business processes, decision rights, workflows, and team dynamics to coordinate effective cross-functional responses. Establishes clear roles, priorities, communication channels, and accountability to enable timely decisions during crisis and other time-sensitive situations.

Manages Risk Analyst(s) supporting the PMO function, developing and coaching associate(s) to elevate their performance in support of the company’s growth goals. Works with Risk leadership to attract and retain associates.

How we reward you:

Hybrid Work schedule
401K with company match

Yearly bonus opportunity
* Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
* On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic

Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships

Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays
* Continuous education assistance and scholarships
* Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance
* Bereavement leave
** Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Your background and experience:

Bachelor’s degree required, Risk Management or Business Administration focus preferred.
7+ years of relevant experience required in enterprise risk management, crisis management, business continuity, governance, compliance, operational risk, emergency management, project/program management, or related fields, including experience in leading cross-functional teams, programs, or major initiatives. Restaurant/Hospitality operations experience preferred.

Successful completion of initial and periodically…