Program & Governance Manager - First Line Risk (Enterprise Platforms) - Hybrid

Who We Are: Enterprise Platforms

The Enterprise Platforms team builds, matures, and operates capabilities that drive scale and resilience, growth and performance, and value for customers and employees. They are on a mission to build enduring enterprise capabilities that drive scale, business growth, and value for our employees and customers. The shared capabilities that make up the Enterprise Platforms team enable businesses across our organization to respond faster and more consistently to a complex and rapidly changing world, showing up better for our customers in the market and enabling our teams to work better together and more consistently across business lines and hierarchies.

Enterprise Platforms Key Capabilities

• Office of the Customer and Transformation

  • Growth Marketing

  • Brand & Sponsorships

  • Voice of the Customer and Employee

  • Transformation Enablement

  • Transformation Delivery

  • Enterprise Analytics

• Digital Banking and Innovation

• Digital Assets

• Communications

Our Team & Structure: First Line Risk - Enterprise Platforms

• Risk Operations: Focuses on executing tactical, planned risk activities including RCSA and ongoing control review.

• Program & Governance: Responsible for the development and implementation of first line programs and policies, training and communications, compliance, and exam management.

• Strategic Risk: Serves as the point of contact and liaison to the EP Business Leaders. The Business Risk Leads are embedded in the business routines to provide oversight, advice, challenge, and support of teams in their day-to-day work.

• Enterprise Platforms Operations: Supports the division and leadership team by managing daily business processes, supporting communications and employee engagement routines and contributing to strategic and operational planning to ensure alignment with enterprise priorities.

Position Overview

We're seeking a strategic and hands-on Program & Governance Manager to join our Enterprise Platforms First Line Risk team. This role is central to building and managing the risk governance framework that supports our business units in identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks. You'll lead efforts to develop policies, implement monitoring programs, and manage issue remediation – all while helping shape a growing team and a newly evolving risk function.

What You'll Do

• Lead Program Development & Governance: Build and maintain first line risk programs, policies, and procedures. Partner with business units to ensure risks are identified, documented in Archer, and mitigated through effective controls.

• Drive Monitoring & Reporting: Develop and manage Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and KPIs. Monitor performance and trigger issue escalation and remediation planning when thresholds are breached.

• Issue & Exam Management: Facilitate monthly Issues Management Working Group meetings. Support remediation plan owners, track progress, escalate blockers, and ensure timely resolution.

• Collaborate Across Lines of Defense: Serve as a key liaison with Internal Audit, Compliance, Operational Risk, and Legal. Ensure alignment and transparency across first, second, and third lines of defense.

• Support Strategic Initiatives: Partner with teams like Privacy to build and launch new risk programs. Lead documentation efforts and ensure stability before transitioning ownership.

• Policy & Regulatory Oversight: Manage updates to policies in response to regulatory changes. Provide training and communications to ensure adoption and compliance.

• Leadership & Influence: Represent the team in executive-level discussions. Present risk stories and program updates with clarity and confidence.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

This is a program leadership role with no direct reports, but it requires strong influence and coordination across teams. You'll lead initiatives, manage cross-functional working groups, and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to drive risk governance and program success.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience.

• 7+ years' relevant work experience.

Education and Experience Preferred

• MBA or advanced degree in a related field.

• Proven experience in risk management, governance, or compliance within financial services or other regulated industries.

• Strong understanding of first line risk frameworks, issue management processes, and operational risk/compliance principles.

• Experience with Archer or similar GRC platforms.

• Familiarity with Agile tools, frameworks, and delivery cycles.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

• Comfortable working with all levels of management, including executive leadership.

• Self-motivated, highly organized, and adaptable in a dynamic, evolving environment.

• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to respond to change, iterate quickly, and embrace feedback.

Work Model & Office Locations

This is a hybrid role requiring in-office presence three days per week at one of M&T Bank's four primary corporate hubs. Eligible candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to one of the following locations:

• 345 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

• 1 Light Street, Baltimore, MD

• 850 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT

• 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE

Anticipated Travel Requirements

• Employees in this position should be prepared to travel at least once per quarter.

• Travel may occur more often than this and is based upon the needs of the business and projects assigned.

• Employees residing outside of the Buffalo market are anticipated to travel more often than those already located here.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team that's still being built - where your voice matters and your impact is visible. You'll work closely with leadership, shape foundational programs, and help drive a culture of proactive risk management across the enterprise.

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $100, $167,686.57 Annual (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.LocationBuffalo, New York, United States of America

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