SVP, Head of Operational Risk Management

You desire impactful work.

You’re RGA ready

RGA is a purpose-driven organization working to solve today’s challenges through innovation and collaboration. A Fortune 200 Company and listed among its World’s Most Admired Companies, we’re the only global reinsurance company to focus primarily on life- and health-related solutions. Join our multinational team of intelligent, motivated, and collaborative people, and help us make financial protection accessible to all.

A Brief Overview

The Senior Vice President, Head of Operational Risk Management is a senior executive role responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing the comprehensive operational risk management framework, policies, and practices, that identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate operational risks across all regions and business lines that could impact the organization's ability to achieve its strategic objectives and preserve stakeholder value. This role defines and implements the global operational risk strategy, partners with senior leadership to ensure a strong risk culture, and provides independent oversight of risks including business resiliency, fraud, technology, data, and third-party risks.

Location: Ideally located in RGA’s Headquarters in St. Louis or Toronto in a hybrid work arrangement. The successful candidate may also work in a full remote arrangement with frequent travel.

What you will do

• Define, develop and execute the global operational risk management vision and strategy, in collaboration with business and functional leadership, which aligns with business objectives, regulatory requirements and the overall risk management framework. Act as the Chair of the Operational Risk Committee to support the achievement of this and other responsibilities.
• Design, implement and continuously enhance the operational risk management framework, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Own and enhance relevant risk methodologies and standards, including risk taxonomy, risk appetite statements and tolerance levels, and assessment tools.
• Lead enterprise-wide risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting processes for operational risk. Ensure integration of operational risk considerations into business processes, decision-making, and strategic planning.
• Provide strategic advice and challenge the business on risk exposures and control effectiveness. Provide risk expertise and insights to influence strategic decisions and improve business resilience.
• Provide strategic counsel to the Global CRO, Executive Committee and Board of Directors on operational risk matters. Act as a liaison with regulators, auditors, and assurance providers on key risk topics.
• Partner with Global Technology, Procurement, and Data and Security teams to ensure robust data governance, privacy, controls, and resilience. Provide governance, expertise, and counsel to technology, cyber, data, and third-party risk management activities.
• Deliver insightful, transparent risk reporting to senior leadership, regulators, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. Develop and establish comprehensive operational risk monitoring and early warning systems, use of non-financial risk dashboards, maintain key risk indicators, and performance metrics.
• Build and maintain strong relationship with the Executive Committee, regional leadership, business leaders, and Global Risk & Strategic Enablement leadership.
• Monitor external trends and regulatory developments to continuously evolve risk capabilities and ensure ongoing compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in finance, business, or related field required
• 15+ Years of progressive experience in a risk/control and/or operations role with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles required
• Experience in the insurance or reinsurance industry, with deep understanding of industry-specific operational risks and relevant regulatory requirements preferred
• Demonstrated experience partnering with regulators and managing regulatory relationships from an operational risk perspective, across multiple jurisdictions preferred
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and enhancing operational risk functions, frameworks, policies, and methodologies in a complex, global organization required
• Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience with operational risk and regulatory frameworks and methodologies, risk and control self-assessment tools, risk technology platforms, and industry best practices required
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior business and functional stakeholders, Executive Committee members, and Board of Directors in risk oversight capacity required
• Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity, information security, and technology risk management required
• Demonstrated success in crisis management and business continuity planning preferred
• Proficiency in data analysis, risk modeling, and quantitative risk assessment techniques preferred
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders preferred
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities with experience leading global, diverse teams preferred
• Demonstrated success in fostering a strong risk culture and continuous improvement in risk processes preferred

#LI-MJ1 #LI-Hybrid

What you can expect from RGA:

• Gain valuable knowledge from and experience with diverse, caring colleagues around the world.

• Enjoy a respectful, welcoming environment that fosters individuality and encourages pioneering thought.

• Join the bright and creative minds of RGA, and experience vast, endless career potential.

We’re excited to get to know you and connect your unique skills with our global opportunities. To create a modern and seamless experience, we use artificial intelligence (AI) in parts of our preliminary screening process. This technology helps us personalize job recommendations, automate interview scheduling, evaluate candidates based solely on experience—without considering name, gender, or other personal details—and provide real-time answers through our chatbot. AI is used only during early screening and never makes hiring decisions. Your RGA recruiter will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the process feels personal, thoughtful, and focused on you.

Compensation Range:

$294,100.00 - $443,167.00 Annual

Base pay varies depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience and market location. In addition, RGA provides an annual bonus plan that includes all roles and some positions are eligible for participation in our long-term equity incentive plan. RGA also maintains a full range of health, retirement, and other employee benefits.

RGA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.