Director - Risk and Finance Data Strategy & AI Enablement

Location: Buffalo, NY

Overview

The Director, Risk and Finance Data Strategy & AI Enablement is responsible for leading both the Risk and Finance Divisions’ strategy and execution across data initiatives and artificial intelligence (AI) use case capabilities. This leader serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership and the Board, ensuring critical data initiatives are funded, prioritized, and executed across both Divisions. This leader will be responsible for setting Risk and Finance’s data strategy and will serve as a critical thought partner with the Risk and Finance Division Senior Leadership teams, driving operational excellence and responsible innovation.

The role will serve as the Data Sponsor for the Risk and Finance Division, accountable for strategic direction, prioritization, sponsorship, funding advocacy, and executive escalation. The role will be responsible for setting strategic priorities for Risk and Finance data, prioritizing data management activities, and have ultimate accountability for data strategy execution in the Risk and Finance Divisions. In addition, the Director will lead risk data modernization and will oversee the various risk data teams.

The role will work closely with Risk and Finance’s data governance Program Owners, Data Officers, and Data Stewards. The role will champion the strategy for AI use case identification, including planning, execution, and implementation of AI use cases. The Director will be a critical liaison between the Risk and Finance Divisions and the Enterprise Data & AI (EDA)and Technology groups.

Primary Responsibilities

Risk and Finance Division Data Strategy & Transformation

Define and execute the Risk and Finance Division vision and strategy for data management, analytics and reporting, and AI-enabled capabilities. In addition, define and execute the Risk Division’s vision and strategy for data governance.

Translate the Risk and Finance data vision into a strategic priorities roadmap and drive cross-functional execution. Implement scalable operating models and performance management disciplines that support strategic priorities.

Advance data modernization efforts that strengthen analytical and reporting capabilities; lead credit risk data modernization to ensure scalable, automated solution. Drive adherence of the Risk Division to the enterprise data governance frameworks.

Prioritize and sponsor strategic capabilities that improve the availability, usability, and reliability of data needed for material Risk and Finance decisions, reporting, and transformation objectives.

Partner with EDA, Technology, Finance FLR/FRDG to ensure data initiatives align with applicable data, architecture, risk-management, and AI requirements.

Risk and Finance Division Insights, Reporting & Decision Support

Deliver actionable risk, performance, financial, and operational insights that support Finance and Risk leadership teams, Executive Leadership Team and Board-level decision making as it pertains to risk data.

Set the strategic agenda for Risk and Finance insights and decision-support capabilities; prioritize material use cases and sponsor their delivery through accountable business, data, analytics, and technology teams. Lead the design and delivery of reporting, trend analysis, forecasting, and predictive insights for credit risk, and other data initiatives as needed.

Translate strategic objectives into a prioritized portfolio of initiatives, including investment requirements, sequencing, dependencies, accountable executives, milestones, and measurable outcomes.

Measure data strategic priorities benefits realization, and business value; redirect investment where initiatives are not delivering intended outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence & Automation

Lead Risk and Finance Division adoption of AI-enabled analytics, automation, and insight generation capabilities.

Establish Risk and Finance division operating standards and Risk Division governance standards for responsible use of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, in concert with Technology, Finance First Line Risk, and Second-Line AI Risk and Model Risk Management.

Identify and execute opportunities to optimize processes through automation, improving efficiency, consistency, and scalability. Develop business cases, recommend funding, and resource allocation across the data and AI portfolio.

Promote innovative AI solutions that enhance employee productivity, operational performance, and risk management capabilities.

Develop a partnership with the EDA and broader Technology team, including escalation of feedback and roadblocks.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead a high-performing group of data management teams and lead group of Risk Division AI Champions, Data Program Owners, Data Officers and Data Stewards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with EDA team to ensure training that advances data literacy and analytical maturity across the Divisions is available and provided.
• Develop top talent in analytics, data, and AI disciplines in the Risk and Finance Division.

Required

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, and a minimum of 13 years’ relevant experience in banking, financial services, data, analytics, risk, or technology, or in lieu of degree a combined minimum of 17 years higher education and/or relevant work experience including a a minimum of 13 years’ relevant experience in banking, financial services, data, analytics, risk, or technology

Minimum of 6 year’s managerial, supervisory, or work leadership experience

Demonstrated success leading division-scale data and analytics organizations.

Experience driving large-scale transformation initiatives that improve business performance and operational effectiveness.

Strong executive communication skills with experience presenting to executive leadership teams and Boards of Directors.

Preferred

Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent).

Experience leading AI, automation, and digital transformation programs.

Deep knowledge of banking operations, regulatory environments, data transformation, and performance management.

Proven ability to influence enterprise strategy through analytics and insights.

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $154,700.00 - $257,900.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America