IT Risk Principal, BT Risk Management

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We're obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we're shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you'll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We're in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you'll do meaningful work with Workmates who've got your back. In return, we'll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you've found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team
Workday's Business Technology (BT) organization continues its mission to deliver unparalleled value to our business partners and customers. To support this mission, the BT Strategy & Operations team is responsible for developing the long-term vision for BT, setting goals and objectives, and ensuring that we have the right plans in place to move with speed at scale. The team collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, business partners, and executives to understand the needs and priorities of the business, and supports the development of strategies that will help BT meet those needs.

About the Role

The IT Risk Principal will be a foundational leader in establishing and maturing a proactive, comprehensive BT Risk Management Function. This role is critical to Workday's transformation toward operating at scale as an AI-first company by ensuring our technology estate is secure, compliant, and resilient. You will be responsible for defining and implementing the framework, standards, and processes to identify, assess, and mitigate technology and operational risks across the entire Business Technology (BT) organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development and Implementation (Strategy & Framework):

• Design and Formalize the BT Risk Management Framework: Lead the design and development of the new, formal, and comprehensive BT Risk Management Program, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and a standardized framework for risk buy down prioritization.
• Establish the BT GRC Center of Excellence (CoE): Collaborate cross-functionally to build the foundation of a federated GRC model, establishing a BT Center of Excellence (CoE) that promotes risk awareness, standardizes methodologies, and supports proactive risk management across BT.
• Drive Compliance and Policy Enhancement: Review and enhance the BT compliance strategy, including controls and procedures, with regard to industry trends and upcoming regulatory activity, ensuring BT maintains its commitment to running secure and reliable systems

Operational Risk Assessment and Mitigation (Execution):

• Lead Risk & Control Analysis: Work with business units and stakeholders, including Security, Internal Audit, BT, and Compliance, to formally assess security issues/gaps and identify potential operational risks.
• Manage Remediation & Follow-Up: Clearly communicate the impact of security issues and gaps to business management and agree on precise remediation actions and timelines. Manage follow-up programs to ensure timely completion of all Management Action Plans.
• Project Leadership: Lead a project to establish and perform a risk assessment process for BT technology. Lead ongoing projects to address GRC-related findings, demonstrating immediate value and embedding a culture of proactive risk management.

Organizational Engagement and Partnerships:

• Cultivate Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain strong, effective partnerships with BT leaders and cross-functional partners to foster a collaborative and supportive environment. This is essential to drive the collective objective of "Doing Things Right".
• Lead Change Management: Lead change management efforts to overcome resistance and drive adoption of new security behaviors and risk processes across the organization, simplifying the path to compliance.

Metric-Driven Continuous Improvement:

• Establish Outcome-Driven Metrics (ODMs): Define, implement, and track ODMs to measure the effectiveness of risk management, compliance, and control activities.
• Refine Program via Data-Driven Insights: Continuously refine initiatives based on organizational feedback and data-driven insights from metrics to ensure the BT Risk Management program maintains alignment with strategic objectives.

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in Technology Risk Management, or Governance and Compliance roles, preferably within a large, global enterprise or technology company.
• 12+ years experience in GRC, leading GRC initiatives, developing and maintaining GRC frameworks, and ensuring organizational compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Established track record of designing, developing, and successfully launching GRC programs.
• Deep technical understanding of cloud security, IT operations, and modern development practices (DevSecOps).
• Exceptional leadership, program management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders across technical and non-technical domains.
• Expert-level understanding of Audits Compliance, organizational audit strategies and compliance programs.
• Deep and strategic knowledge of Cyber Security Governance frameworks and enterprise-wide cyber security governance programs.

Other Qualifications:

• A track record of acting as a thought leader in the technology or security space, including presenting at industry events, publishing articles, or influencing key industry trends.
• AI/ML Knowledge: Familiarity with the unique risks and governance challenges associated with emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CRISC, CISM, CISA, CISSP) are a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Administration, Information Security. Master's degree preferred.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate's compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday's comprehensive benefits, please click here.

Primary Location: USA.GA.Atlanta

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $155,000 USD - $232,600 USD

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $147,300 USD - $261,600 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we're combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

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