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Operational Risk Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Internal Audit - Risk Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$101K - $113K/yr

This includes identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting of strategic, operational ... Integrate risk management with internal controls, ISO frameworks, and business continuity ...

Liability Claims Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$127K - $177K/yr

Assisting with risk assessments related to existing and proposed County operations and services ... An Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims (AIC), or equivalent industry ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operational Risk Manager information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$50.4K

$129.6K

$254.4K

How much do operational risk manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational risk manager in Irvine, CA is $129,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Operational Risk Manager Do?

An operational risk manager works to identify and limit the risk associated with a company’s operations. As an operational risk manager, your responsibilities involve assessing business operations, identifying issues, and creating reports on your findings. You then help develop policies and implement changes to lessen operational risks. Other duties include continually monitoring the business to find potential new threats and ensuring company compliance with laws and regulations.

What are the 4 pillars of operational risk management?

The four pillars of operational risk management are risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk monitoring. An Operational Risk Manager uses these pillars to develop strategies that minimize potential losses from internal processes, people, systems, or external events, often utilizing tools like risk dashboards and frameworks such as Basel II. Mastery of these pillars is essential for effective risk oversight and compliance.

What does an operational risk manager do?

An operational risk manager identifies, assesses, and monitors risks that could disrupt a company's operations, such as process failures, fraud, or system outages. They develop strategies to mitigate these risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and often use risk management tools and data analysis to support decision-making.

Do risk managers make good money?

Operational Risk Managers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual salary ranges from $80,000 to over $130,000, with additional compensation such as bonuses and certifications like FRM or ORM enhancing earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by Operational Risk Managers in maintaining effective risk controls across different departments?

Operational Risk Managers often encounter challenges in ensuring consistent risk controls due to varying processes, priorities, and risk appetites across departments. Communication gaps and resistance to change can make it difficult to implement standardized procedures. Successfully overcoming these challenges involves building strong cross-functional relationships, conducting regular training, and fostering a risk-aware culture to ensure alignment on risk management practices throughout the organization.

What are the three C's of operational risk management?

The three C's of operational risk management are Culture, Controls, and Communication. These elements help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively, which is essential for an Operational Risk Manager to ensure operational resilience and compliance. Developing strong controls and fostering a risk-aware culture are key skills in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Risk Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Risk Manager, you need a solid understanding of risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and internal controls, typically supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with risk management frameworks, GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) systems, and certifications such as FRM or ORM are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for identifying, mitigating, and communicating operational risks, ensuring organizational stability and regulatory adherence.

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

AspectOperational Risk ManagerRisk Analyst
CertificationsCFA, FRM, or similarCFA, FRM, or similar
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, banks, insurance companiesFinancial firms, consulting, corporate risk teams
ResponsibilitiesIdentify, assess, and mitigate operational risks; develop risk frameworksAnalyze risk data, support risk assessments, prepare reports

The Operational Risk Manager focuses on managing and mitigating operational risks within organizations, often holding certifications like CFA or FRM. In contrast, Risk Analysts primarily analyze risk data and support risk management processes. Both roles are vital in financial sectors and share similar credentials, but the Operational Risk Manager has a broader responsibility for risk mitigation strategies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Risk jobs in Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Operational Risk jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Operational Risk Manager jobs in Irvine, CA? For Operational Risk Manager jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operational Risk Manager jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Risk Manager jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Operational Risk Manager jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Operational Risk Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Operational Risk Manager job openings in Irvine, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,564 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
AVP - Group Employee Benefits Risk Management

AVP - Group Employee Benefits Risk Management

Pacific Life Insurance Company

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$230K - $268K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Pacific Life rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 277 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description:
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job; it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.
We're actively seeking a talented AVP - Group Employee Benefits Risk Management to join our Pacific Life Workforce Benefits Division (WBD) in Newport Beach, CA or Omaha, NE. This role is hybrid, with 4 days in the office. If you are not currently located near one of these offices, we offer comprehensive relocation assistance.
As an AVP in Groups Employee Benefits Risk Management, you will play a key role in Pacific Life's growth and long-term success. You will work directly with business partners and key stakeholders to support the execution of the new and growing WBD strategy and key initiatives while assessing and mitigating key risks across the Division.
How you'll make an impact:
  • Support the execution of the Group Employee Benefits Division strategy to grow and scale a $1B revenue, profitable business in the Group Benefits market
  • Work collaboratively with partners on a variety of new business and in force initiatives to identify, assess and mitigate key risks, including:
    • New product development
    • Rate development
    • Renewal strategies
    • Execution of Technology and Operations roadmaps
  • Partner with Finance & Actuarial, Risk Management and WBD to tailor pricing and other risk policies and standards as needed for Group Benefits
  • Oversee the implementation of underwriting and pricing methodologies, support assumption oversight and model risk governance activities within the Division
  • Supervise operational risk management activities within the Division and coordinate 2nd lines of defense activities within the Division where needed (e.g., Risk, Compliance, CISO)
  • Promote a risk-aware culture and drive consistent and effective management practices
  • Develop and maintain division-level risk governance and reporting
  • Remain engaged with the competitive landscape, providing an understanding of competitor risk practices to stakeholders
  • Contribute to the development of enterprise-wide risk policies and standards and promote their adoption throughout the Division

The experience you will bring:
  • 10+ years of relevant Actuarial/Risk Management experience within the Group Employee Group Benefits industry
  • Strong understanding of how insurance, operational, and strategic risks manifest in group benefits products
  • Strong analytical capabilities with ability to apply analytical/critical thinking background to new situations
  • Self-starter who can be trusted to take ownership of their work product
  • Understanding of insurer financials, including Statutory and GAAP accounting, as well as how those frameworks are represented in product pricing
  • Strategic, creative, and broadly focused thinker with demonstrated ability to be persuasive and collaborative

What will make you stand out:
  • Relevant credentials, including FSA or CFA, are a plus
  • Consistent track record of effectively working with data to manage risk and process re-engineering, simplification, and streamlining
  • Comfortable in ambiguity and an advocate for change
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate future consequences and trends accurately

Base Salary Range:
$230,000 - $268,000
Base Pay Range:
The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
Your Benefits Start Day 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.
  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

What Pacific Life employees say

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About Pacific Life

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

When you purchase life insurance and retirement solutions, you're buying a promise. A promise that today, tomorrow or ten years from now, we'll be there. For more than 150 years, our clients have trusted Pacific Life to protect what matters most to them - their families, their businesses, their futures.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newport Beach, CA, US

Year founded

1868

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