A Cross-disciplinary Controls Function Group Manager is a senior leadership role at the intersection of technology, risk management, and business operations, primarily within complex, highly regulated industries. This executive is responsible for architecting and overseeing a robust control environment that safeguards an organization's integrity, data, and assets. Professionals in these jobs act as the central pillar for ensuring that various technology and business teams operate within a defined risk appetite, effectively bridging gaps between different departments and lines of defense. The core responsibility of a Cross-disciplinary Controls Function Group Manager is to provide strategic direction and leadership for a large team of controls professionals. This involves setting the vision for the organization's control framework, which encompasses a wide array of activities such as risk assessment, control design, monitoring and testing, issue management, and governance reporting. They are tasked with reviewing and challenging the effectiveness of existing controls, identifying areas for improvement, and spearheading initiatives to enhance control efficiency and reduce risk exposure. A significant part of their role involves managing the entire lifecycle of issues, from identification and remediation to validation, ensuring that root causes are addressed and not just symptoms. Typically, individuals in these jobs are responsible for overseeing governance forums, setting the agenda for risk discussions, and ensuring that actionable items are tracked and completed. They serve as a key point of contact during internal and external audits and are often the face of the organization in regulatory interactions, requiring them to articulate the company's risk posture with clarity and confidence. Their work ensures that senior management, the board, and regulators receive accurate, consistent, and reliable reporting on the state of controls across the enterprise. The typical career path to this elite position requires a substantial background, often 15 or more years, in operational risk, compliance, audit, or a related control function. Proven experience in a managerial capacity, leading large and diverse teams through complex organizational change, is essential. The ideal candidate possesses an expert understanding of industry regulations, risk management frameworks, and control best practices. Key skills include exceptional analytical abilities to deconstruct complex problems, superior communication and influencing skills to engage executive stakeholders, and a strong sense of accountability. A bachelor's degree is standard, with a master's degree often preferred, providing the theoretical foundation for the strategic demands of these critical leadership jobs. This role is perfect for a decisive leader who can navigate a cross-functional landscape to build a resilient and proactive risk culture.
