The Senior Leader - Consumer Credit Risk & Testing Strategy manages multiple teams through other managers.

The Senior Leader – Consumer Credit Risk & Testing Strategy is responsible for defining and executing a comprehensive testing and validation framework that supports the strategic integration of credit risk models, business rules, and decisioning platforms within consumer lending portfolios. This role operates at the intersection of risk management, technology, and strategy, driving the alignment of test frameworks with the organization’s overarching credit risk management goals. The leader will lead large-scale initiatives and manage a multi-disciplinary team, influencing the strategic direction of the credit risk function across the organization.

The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Risk Strategy Execution or equivalent senior leadership, ensuring that all testing activities align with the company’s risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and business growth objectives. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in leading high-impact teams, setting strategic priorities, and ensuring credit risk strategies are resilient, scalable, and compliant in a dynamic regulatory landscape.

Requires thorough understanding of strategic direction of the function within the relevant part of the business, combined with a solid conceptual/practical grounding in both the function and/or area of expertise and related subject areas. Excellent communication skills required in order to negotiate internally, often at a senior level. Some external communication/negotiation may be necessary. Responsible for executing functional strategy in area managed. Determines approach to implementing functional strategy. Accountable for end results, budgeting, planning, policy formulation and contribution to future strategy of the area(s). Impact reflects size of team managed, strategic influence on the business and interaction with other functions or businesses. Full management responsibility for multiple teams, including management of people, budget and planning, to include duties such as performance evaluation, compensation, hiring, disciplinary actions and terminations and budget approval. May be doing involved or responsible for diverse (cross-discipline) activities. Typically, a direct report to a Managing Director role and function as an integral member of the functional leadership team within a country/site location, job family, or line of business.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership in Credit Risk Testing:

  • Define and lead the implementation of a multi-year strategic vision for credit risk testing frameworks, ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader business and risk management goals.

  • Oversee the integration and validation of advanced credit risk models, decisioning engines, and rules-based systems, ensuring these align with evolving business strategies and regulatory mandates.

  • Collaborate with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders to align testing and risk strategies with corporate objectives, maximizing profitability while minimizing risk exposure.

• Enterprise-Level Test Strategy Development:

  • Architect and implement scalable, enterprise-wide testing strategies for consumer credit risk, incorporating both manual and automated testing solutions to ensure efficiency and accuracy in validating credit decisions.

  • Lead initiatives that enhance the automation of testing processes, driving operational excellence and reducing time-to-market for credit risk models and systems.

• Governance and Risk Control Framework:

  • Establish a robust governance structure for testing and validation processes, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards (e.g., OCC, CFPB, Fed) and internal risk management policies.

  • Implement rigorous risk control measures within testing procedures to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks associated with model or rule deployment.

  • Drive continuous monitoring and validation efforts to ensure the integrity of credit risk strategies over time, aligning with the organization’s evolving risk appetite and external market conditions.

• Innovation and Transformation Leadership:  

  • Spearhead transformational initiatives that incorporate emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML) into the credit risk testing environment, enhancing predictive accuracy, efficiency, and decision quality.

  • Foster a culture of innovation within the risk and testing teams by implementing cutting-edge tools and methodologies to stay ahead of regulatory and industry shifts.

  • Engage with external partners, regulators, and industry groups to influence and stay abreast of emerging trends in consumer credit risk management and testing.

• Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:  

  • Lead and inspire a high-performing team of test managers, risk analysts, and technology specialists, cultivating a culture of excellence and accountability.

  • Act as a senior thought leader and mentor, providing guidance and development opportunities to ensure the growth and retention of top talent.

  • Drive collaboration with business, technology, and risk teams to ensure seamless integration of test strategies with consumer credit products, ensuring agility in responding to regulatory or market shifts.

• Data-Driven Insights & Strategic Reporting:  

  • Utilize data-driven insights and key risk indicators (KRIs) to inform executive leadership of the overall performance and effectiveness of credit risk testing strategies.

  • Develop and present strategic reports to the C-suite that highlight testing outcomes, risk exposures, and opportunities for improvement in the credit risk framework.

  • Partner with finance and data analytics teams to quantify the financial impact of credit risk testing strategies, influencing key business decisions that support sustainable growth.

  • Develop strategic vision for future management and mitigation defects to include re-engineering of work-streams, customer communication and detection capabilities.

  • The position requires substantial interaction and collaboration with Policy, Operations, and other functional business partners to optimize needs.

  • Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm’s reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Undergraduate degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required along with Managerial responsibilities.

• Extensive Leadership Experience:

  • 15+ years of experience in credit risk management or financial services, with at least 7+ years in a leadership role overseeing large-scale testing or validation initiatives.

  • Demonstrated experience driving cross-functional initiatives at the enterprise level, including managing large, distributed teams across multiple business units or geographies.

• Strategic Risk & Testing Expertise:  

  • Proven track record in developing and leading enterprise-wide credit risk strategies and testing frameworks, particularly within a regulated consumer finance environment.

  • Deep expertise in regulatory requirements governing consumer credit risk (OCC, CFPB, Fed) and a strong network within industry groups or regulatory bodies.

• Technology & Innovation Leadership:  

  • Strong understanding of technology platforms, automation tools, and data analytics that support risk model/strategy testing and validation.

  • Experience incorporating AI/ML or advanced statistical methodologies into credit risk testing processes is preferred.

• Stakeholder & Executive Communication:  

  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and guide C-level executives and Executives, translating complex testing outcomes and risk scenarios into actionable business insights.

• Financial Acumen:  

  • Strong financial management skills, with the ability to assess the impact of credit risk strategies on the company’s bottom line, balancing risk exposure with growth objectives.

  • Experience managing teams with broad accountability in a complex environment. Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional organization.

  • Ability to balance strategic priorities with tactical actions.

  • Proven track record and accountability in making quick decision that have an immediate impact on business financials .

  • Excellent communication skills required in order to negotiate internally, often at a senior level. Some external communication/negotiation may be necessary.

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Job Family Group:

Risk Management

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Job Family:

Business Risk & Control

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

Wilmington Delaware United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$170,000.00 - $300,000.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Nov 25, 2024

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