Explore senior leadership opportunities in the critical field of artificial intelligence governance with Head of AI Risk Approvals and Portfolio Oversight jobs. This executive role sits at the strategic intersection of technological innovation and enterprise risk management, serving as the ultimate internal authority for ensuring the safe, ethical, and compliant deployment of AI across a large organization. Professionals in this position are responsible for the holistic risk posture of an entire portfolio of AI initiatives, balancing the drive for competitive advantage with a principled commitment to responsible AI practices. The core mandate of a Head of AI Risk Approvals and Portfolio Oversight is to provide independent, second-line-of-defense oversight. This involves acting as the final approval authority for all AI use cases before they move into development or production. Day-to-day responsibilities are multifaceted and strategic. They include setting the vision for and continuously refining the organization's AI Risk Management Framework, ensuring it evolves alongside both technology and the regulatory landscape. A significant part of the role is conducting deep-dive assessments on proposed AI systems, applying expertise in areas like model fairness and bias, explainability, data privacy, AI security, and the unique challenges of large language models (LLMs) and agentic AI. They define and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) for the AI portfolio, conduct thematic reviews to spot emerging threats, and ensure robust governance is maintained throughout an AI model's entire lifecycle. Beyond technical assessment, this is a role of influence and leadership. The Head serves as the primary AI risk advisor to the C-suite and business unit leaders, translating complex technical risks into strategic business implications. They must provide decisive, credible challenge to AI initiatives, fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes safety alongside innovation. Leading a team of senior risk specialists, they represent the organization's AI risk stance in external forums and regulatory discussions, shaping industry standards for responsible AI. Typical requirements for these high-level jobs include extensive experience, often 15+ years, in risk management, model governance, or technology risk within heavily regulated sectors like financial services. A minimum of a decade in senior leadership is standard, with a proven track record of scaling complex technology programs. Candidates must possess deep, hands-on subject matter expertise in AI and machine learning, coupled with a strong understanding of their associated risks. Exceptional communication, stakeholder influence, and team leadership skills are non-negotiable, as is the ability to operate with sound judgment under ambiguity. An advanced degree in a relevant field is commonly preferred. For those seeking to define the future of trustworthy AI at the highest level, Head of AI Risk Approvals and Portfolio Oversight jobs represent a pinnacle career opportunity.
