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Director Operational Risk Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

EHS & Risk Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$101.90K - $140.14K/yr

This role partners closely with operational leadership and cross-functional teams to identify ... Ability to influence frontline teams and leaders without direct authority. Preferred Qualifications

New

EHS & Risk Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$101.90K - $140.14K/yr

This role partners closely with operational leadership and cross-functional teams to identify ... Ability to influence frontline teams and leaders without direct authority. Preferred Qualifications

Partner closely with Legal, HR, IT, Finance, and Operations leadership to guide risk-related ... Direct the creation and maintenance of Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Emergency Response Plans.

Provide routine safety performance briefings directly to the AE and Senior Director. * Operational Risk Management (ORM)Embed deliberate and time-critical risk assessment methodologies into all daily ...

We celebrate fiscal accountability, operational rigor and efficiency to create a sustainably healthy and robust business for the long term. The Director, Enterprise Risk Management is responsible for ...

Provide routine safety performance briefings directly to the AE and Senior Director. * Operational Risk Management (ORM)Embed deliberate and time-critical risk assessment methodologies into all daily ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Operational Risk information

See California salary details

$53.3K

$141.3K

$256.6K

How much do director operational risk jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operational risk in California is $141,310.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $165,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Operational Risk, and why are they important?

A Director of Operational Risk needs deep knowledge of risk management frameworks, regulatory requirements, and operational processes, typically supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, data analytics platforms, and certifications such as FRM or CRM is highly valued. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and influencing stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact organizational objectives and regulatory compliance.

How does a Director of Operational Risk typically collaborate with other departments to manage enterprise-wide risks?

A Director of Operational Risk works closely with teams across the organization—including compliance, internal audit, IT, and business unit leaders—to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks. This collaboration often involves organizing risk assessments, sharing best practices, and developing response strategies for incidents. Regular cross-functional meetings and reporting are common, ensuring that risk management is integrated into day-to-day business operations. Effective communication and relationship-building are crucial for success in this role, as the Director must foster a risk-aware culture throughout the company.

What does a Director of Operational Risk do?

A Director of Operational Risk is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact an organization's operations. They develop risk management strategies, implement controls, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This role typically involves collaborating with different departments, reporting to senior management, and overseeing risk assessments and audits. The goal is to minimize losses and protect the organization from potential operational failures or external threats.

What is the difference between Director Operational Risk vs Risk Manager?

AspectDirector Operational RiskRisk Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, Risk Management certifications)Often requires similar certifications but may have less emphasis on advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, overseeing risk frameworks across departmentsOperational, focused on identifying and mitigating specific risks within teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in banking, finance, insurance, and large corporationsFound across various industries including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing

The main difference is that the Director of Operational Risk typically holds a senior leadership role responsible for setting risk strategies and policies, while the Risk Manager focuses on implementing risk mitigation measures at the operational level. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but the Director position involves broader strategic oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Risk jobs in California? The most popular types of Operational Risk jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Operational Risk jobs in California? For Director Operational Risk jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Operational Risk jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Director Operational Risk jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Operational Risk jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Operational Risk job openings:
IT Risk Manager

IT Risk Manager

Early Warning Services

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

At Early Warning, we've powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle, Paze, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.

Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.

Overview

The Manager, Risk Management is responsible for the building and coordination of a centralized first-line of defense (LOD1) risk and internal control program efforts for Early Warning's (specified department or function). The role will be required to align with the company's Enterprise Risk Management Leadership around the structure of the 3LOD (three lines of defense) Program to ensure the consistency in the implementation and operationalization across the enterprise.

Essential Functions

  • Assist Sr. Risk Managers and LOD1 Director if meeting departmental goals and objectives.

  • Build and manage the business line's centralized LOD1 function; act as business-line liaison to Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, and Compliance in support of the company's Three-Lines of Defense (3LOD) program.

  • Own and maintain business-line's process inventory and internal control environment inventory.

  • Work with Compliance (and other Risk functions) to obtain a high-level understanding of and monitor applicable regulations and requirements.

  • Partner with Enterprise Risk Management in the execution of Risk and Control Self Assessments.

  • Own and maintain the business-line's detailed process and technical recovery plans.

  • Partner with Business Continuity Management on business-line's participation in BC/DR tests.

  • Oversee and monitor the business-line's third-party relationships, including both performance and risk management.

  • Assist the business-line in the design and build of process maps in alignment with Early Warning's Process Classification Framework. Design, maintain, and report metrics (KPIs and KRIs) demonstrating control effectiveness.

  • Identify and self-report issues through the ERM Self-Identified Issue Process, individually and together with other LOD1 business-line members

  • Ensure risk remediation plans exist and are sufficient; track remediation plans to completion and ensure remediation is on-time and sustainable; ensure action plans and remediation of issues by Risk Owner.

  • Ensures the completion of actions plans and remediation of self-identified issues by each Issue Owner and Risk Owner.

  • Support business-line Risk Acceptance Forms (RAF) process, when applicable.

  • Support business-line leadership in managing and reporting its related risks; provide reports and explanations for use in Business Reviews, Audit or Management Committee meetings. Collaborate with Business Intelligence to design and implement risk reports for management.

  • Deliver education and awareness of risk ownership essentials.

  • Continually monitor and update assessments of the control environment, keeping abreast of significant control issues, trends and developments. Perform internal control effectiveness test plans and procedures.

  • Support the company's commitment to protect the integrity and confidentiality of systems and data.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education and/or experience typically obtained through completion of a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or other related field of specialty.

  • Typically, a minimum of 8 or more years of progressive audit, operational risk or other risk management experience or other proven related business experience.

  • Good understanding of risk management and internal control leading practices within specialized area of focus.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex, highly regulated environment.

  • Working knowledge of regulatory requirements within specific area of focus.

  • Effective communication, organization and presentation skills.

  • Effective influence management skills.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of COSO's Internal Control - Integrated Framework, or similar

  • Certification in risk management

  • First line of defense risk management experience.

Physical Requirements

Working conditions consist of a normal office environment. Work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive use of a computer and involves sitting for periods of approximately four hours. Work may require occasional standing, walking, kneeling and reaching. Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently. Requires visual acuity and dexterity to view, prepare, and manipulate documents and office equipment including personal computers. Requires the ability to communicate with internal and/or external customers.

Employee must be able to perform essential functions and physical requirements of position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The base pay scale for this position in:
Phoenix, AZ/ Chicago, IL / Washington, DC in USD per year is: $104,000 - $130,000.
New York, NY/ San Francisco, CA in USD per year is: $125,000 - $156,000.
Additionally, candidates are eligible for a discretionary incentive plan and benefits.

This pay scale is subject to change and is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific candidate, which is always dependent on legitimate factors considered at the time of job offer. Early Warning Services takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining a competitive salary offer, including, but not limited to, the job scope, market rates and geographic location of a position, candidate's education, experience, training, and specialized skills or certification(s) in relation to the job requirements and compared with internal equity (peers). The business actively supports and reviews wage equity to ensure that pay decisions are not based on gender, race, national origin, or any other protected classes.

Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness

  • Healthcare Coverage-Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans as well as company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or pre-tax savings through flexible spending accounts (FSA) for commuting, health & dependent care expenses.

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan-Featuring a 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 6% deferral immediately upon eligibility.

  • Paid Time Off -Flexible Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non-Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day.

  • 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

  • Maven Family Planning - provides support through your Parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, postpartum, early pediatrics, and returning to work.

AndSOmuch more! We continue to enhance our program, so be sure tocheck our Benefits page herefor the latest. Ourteamcan share more during the interview process!

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Early Warning Services, LLC ("Early Warning") considers for employment, hires, retains and promotes qualified candidates on the basis of ability, potential, and valid qualifications without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance of our employees.