Senior Associate, Cyber and Digital Risk Management
Country: United States of America
It Starts Here: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.
If you are interested in exploring the possibilities
We Want to Talk to You! The Difference You Make: The Sr Associate Cyber and Digital Risk Management monitors activities to minimize the company's exposure to information security risks. Activities may include 2nd line of defense independent assurance over technical cyber risk analysis, risk identification and remediation. The incumbent shall support the preservation of digital trust and ensure that the oversight is adequate to minimize compliance and regulatory risk by resolving issues and ensuring adherence to industry good practice frameworks, company and legal standards. Responsible for ensuring that the company's activities adhere to the necessary rules and regulations, and that the company complies with legal/regulatory statutes and jurisdictions, as they relate to the management of cyber and digital risks.
The Senior Associate, Cyber and Digital Risk Management is responsible for independent risk management and assurance activities over the assigned business area's technology footprint covering Information Security, Cyber Resilience, Cyber Fraud and Data Security (incl. Retention and Disposal) as part of the second line of defense Technology Risk Management organization.
The incumbent develops and maintains an effective Information Security Risk oversight program that enables the assigned business area to comprehensively identify, assess, mitigate, manage, monitor and report technology risk, including performing technical risk reviews of identified domains.
This role is established in the second line of defense and requires collaboration across CISO, Data Office, IT, Operational Risk, Internal Audit and other relevant functional stakeholders within the organization in the management of Cybersecurity risks. An excellent understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape in the US and EU are vital for success in this role.
The day-to-day focus may vary depending on the requirements of the overall second line of defense program priorities directed by the Head of Technology Risk and may include: planned or ad-hoc technical risk review and challenge, review of Technology or Business initiatives, Ongoing risk monitoring activities, Risk reporting, development of technical risk framework and methodologies.
The team to support the oversight of cybersecurity risks will comprise of individuals aligned against the core coverage areas noted above. This is an individual contributor role but will require people and stakeholder management skills to operate effectively in a 2nd line of defense role in a matrix organization.
Key Responsibilities: - Establish themselves as one of the second line of defense subject matter experts for key stakeholders in the management of cybersecurity and technology risks across all operating entities
- Identify and assess cybersecurity risks and participate in the independent and ongoing risk oversight of key technology components of the firm's digital transformation initiatives.
- Participate in evaluation of new products / Business changes / projects and assess related cybersecurity risks and impact to the technology risk profile
- Participate in the evaluation and management of cybersecurity risks related to third-party suppliers involved in technology and business projects
- Manage and execute targeted risk reviews designed to evaluate information security risks and their effective and sustainable mitigation
- Perform review and challenge of first line of defense information security risk management processes, data and outcomes (e.g. risk assessments, control evaluations, risk metrics, mitigation plans, risk acceptances etc.) and support the development of risk opinions for various levels of management
- Analyze information security / cyber risk data from various sources (e.g. external events, control deficiencies, risk register etc.) to identify and measure levels of risk, concentration, trends and patterns
- Develop the AI Use case Information security assessment framework from 2nd line perspective and perform assessments for a variety of use cases.
- Contribute to the updating of existing information security policies and framework or develop new ones that steer the safe and sound adoption of technologies across the organization
- Monitor external trends and evaluate potential impacts to business strategy; provide documented analytical insights of the cyber risk horizon, while ensuring a sound operational and compliance control environment through establishment of a system of effective and sustainable internal controls
- Be able to analyze, assess and advise on remediation of regulatory findings, correction of any inconsistencies and monitors resolution
- Prepare information to enable governance committees / working groups in the management oversight of cybersecurity and technology risks
- Support process for constructive engagement across the Lines of Defense regarding differences or conflicts in risk appetite, risk metric determination or evaluation, issue severity or other areas of dispute
- Initiate timely escalations to the Sr. Director, Cyber & Digital Risk and to the leadership team
What You Bring: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor's Degree in a technical discipline or equivalent work experience: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security. Req
- Master's Degree in related technical disciplines. Pref
- Professional Certifications in Cybersecurity. Req.
- Professional Certifications in Cloud Security (AWS, Azure). Pref
Competencies and Abilities: Demonstrated expertise and track record in information security and cyber risk management, and ability to perform at an advanced level of competence. Strong risk, process, and control validation and/or assessment skills. Advanced knowledge of technical risk management best practices and how to implement them. A keen sense of attention to details with a passion for impeccable documentation while having the ability to multi-task and adapt/adjust to multiple demands and competing priorities A high degree of intellectual curiosity to research, study and assess technical documentation to support oversight activities A team player who can coordinate and drive consensus among different teams and stakeholders having varying view points Ability to convey a sense of urgency and drive issues/projects to closure. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent analytical, organizational and project management skills.
Technical skills (incl. Tools): Resilient Security Architecture Identity and Access Management Network / Firewall Management Vulnerability and Patch Management Cloud Security Architecture Secure Application Development / Containerization Encryption / Tokenization Data Loss Prevention Security Logging and Monitoring Incident Detection and Response Management Offensive Security
Skills and Abilities: Strong understanding of multiple information security and cyber risk domains, and knowledge of industry good practice standards Experience with execution of technology & cyber risk oversight programs, preferably in a 2nd or 3rd line of defense Demonstrated ability to coordinate oversight activities across different teams Knowledge of current and evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices in technology and cybersecurity risk management Strong experience as a team player, adaptability and flexibility
Work Experience: Professional and practitioner experience of 9+ years in one or more areas of cybersecurity risk management roles in a matrix organization Experience in Cybersecurity risk consulting in the financial services sector, Cyber security audit, Chief Information Security Office or in a similar second line of defense role is highly preferred Experience within a highly regulated environment such as the financial services industry and knowledge of the current and evolving regulatory landscape is necessary
Certifications: - Professional Certifications in Cybersecurity. Req.
- Professional Certifications in Cloud Security (AWS, Azure). Pref
It Would Be Nice For You To Have: - Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
- Experience in Microsoft Office products.
What Else You Need To Know: The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.
Base Pay Range: Minimum:
$93,750.00 USD
Maximum:
$165,000.00 USD
We Value Your Impact: Your contribution matters and it's recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)
Risk Culture: We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.
EEO Statement: At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Working Conditions: Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.
Employer Rights: This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.
What To Do Next : If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at to discuss your needs.
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