Operational Risk Associate Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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 required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Pay Range: M3: $127,000 - $178,000 / Annual

* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

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Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.