Job Description

Job Summary

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The Chief Business Risk Officer (CBRO) leads enterprise-wide risk management for first-line businesses, focusing on financial, operational, cyber, and regulatory risks. The role builds a strong first-line risk function, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters a risk-aware culture. In close collaboration with the Chief Risk Officer and executive leadership, the CBRO ensures all risks across core business lines are identified, measured, managed, monitored, and reported within tolerance. The CBRO develops cascaded risk appetites, quarterly risk profiles, and oversees governance and execution of innovative risk solutions. This role requires exceptional communication skills to deliver a compelling and inspired vision for executing the 1st Line Risk Framework and strengthening risk management practices and acumen across the organization. The CBRO promotes effective, cross-functional collaboration and productive relationships across business units, ensuring strategies, change initiatives, and risk insights are clearly and persuasively communicated through appropriate governance channels. The role also actively listens to, leverages, and champions diverse perspectives and contributions to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making. Deep financial industry knowledge, strategic leadership, and extensive experience in risk management are essential.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 1st Line Risk Framework Leadership Leads the implementation, execution, and ongoing maturity of the 1st Line Risk Management Framework across Core Business Lines in alignment with the Enterprise Risk Policy.
• Organizational Design and Talent Strategy Develops a risk-focused organizational structure tailored to the bank's broader design and attracts, retains, and develops skilled talent for key risk roles.
• Governance and Compliance Oversight Ensures Core Business Lines adhere to Enterprise Risk Programs, including governance activities, NBA submissions, EIM, GRC documentation, and periodic risk and control evaluations.
• Committee Engagement and Risk Escalation Serves as an active member of Executive Risk Committee and other risk-related committees and establishes Business Risk Committees for Core Business Lines.
• Risk Appetite and Profile Management Collaborates with Core Business Executive Leadership to define and monitor risk appetite and quarterly risk profiles.
• Strategic Risk Integration and Large Bank Advancement Oversees identification and documentation of risks and controls across Core Business Lines during strategic transitions.
• Risk Evaluation and Reporting Leads the execution of periodic risk and control evaluations within the 1st Line, including self-assessments, control testing, and escalation of results in alignment with 2nd Line Risk requirements.
• Strategic Planning and Risk Function Development Partners with the CRO and Executive Leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that mature the 1st Line Risk Function.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Functional Collaboration Builds strong relationships across all levels of management and external partners to support business planning and execution.
• Leadership and Cultural Stewardship Inspires commitment across the organization, leads diverse, high-performing teams, and fosters a culture of proactive planning and inclusion.
• Executive Support and Strategic Coordination Supports planning and coordination of executive meetings, leadership sessions, and presentations on behalf of the CRO.
• Manages annual performance management and merit processes for direct and indirect reports and coaches and develops team members.
• Each team member is expected to be aware of risk within their functional area and raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely fashion.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, finance or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience. Masters degree (MBA) preferred.

Minimum Experience

• Twelve (12)+ years related job experience in a financial institution management role in one or a combination of the following areas: Finance/ Accounting, Operations, Regulatory, Enterprise Risk or Audit management at an organization of larger size, scope and complexity.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Highly skilled in engaging senior and executive management across all lines of defense to negotiate complex issues and influence organizational policy.
• Team oriented with the ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of people across the footprint.
• Broad knowledge of banking systems and processes. Working knowledge of banking and corporate regulations such as SOX, GLBA, HIPAA, FFIEC, etc. with solid understanding of applicable best practices; strong working knowledge of pertinent regulations and the regulatory community. Demonstrated aptitude with strategic thinking.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to allocate resources effectively, manage multiple cross-functional initiatives, and proactively identify and address risks and issues while balancing concurrent demands in dynamic environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of fostering collaboration, influencing across functions, and driving alignment through clear, strategic messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and mobilize resources beyond direct authority by fostering trust and driving consensus through persuasive and strategic communication.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• MBA or other post graduate degree.
• Leadership experience in first-, second-, or third-line risk at a large U.S. financial institution ($100B+ in asset size).
• Leadership experience in large bank prudential supervision.
• Open to location (within footprint preferred).

Synovus is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.

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