Head of Central Compliance Programs, Testing and Assurance

The Head of Central Compliance Programs, Testing and Assurance is responsible for leading the independent assurance function and the compliance operations functions. This role provides senior management and the Board with objective assurance on the design and operating effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks across the bank. In addition, the role is responsible for ensuring that the centralized frameworks including the Enterprise Compliance Risk Assessment, Regulatory Change Management and Metrics and Reporting are effectively operating.

The role acts as a critical second‑line function, partnering with business and first‑line teams while maintaining independence, credibility, and strong regulatory engagement.

Job Duties:

• Define and execute the strategy for our centralized programs including assurance, Enterprise Compliance Risk Assessment, Regulatory Change Management and Metrics and Reporting. Ensure alignment with the Bank’s Risk Appetite and our regulatory priorities.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of compliance professionals across banking products and operations within Consumer, Commercial and Private/Bank Wealth.

• Establish clear assurance methodologies, standards, and reporting practices.

• Evaluate the design and effectiveness of first‑line controls and risk mitigation activities; reporting on issues, root causes and emerging risks.

• Continue to assess and enhance our centralized compliance programs to ensure efficiencies and productivity.

• Serve as a key point of contact for regulators, internal audit, and external auditors on assurance and compliance operations related matters

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• 12+ years of experience in banking, risk management, compliance, assurance, or internal audit.

• Organizational experience managing large and complex projects and ability to interact with senior management and within a matrixed environment.

• Deep understanding of banking products and operations; regulatory requirements; and key processes, controls, and exposure areas.

• Proven leadership and management skills in a professional environment.

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience required

• Advanced degree preferred (e.g., Masters/MBA/JD) 

• CRCM, Audit or Assurance Certifications Preferred

Hours and Work Schedule: Hybrid: 

• 4 days in the office, 1 working from home

• Hours per Week: 40

• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $228,000-$277,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Employer

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Background Check

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.