Head of Strategic Risk Management

Flex is a growth-stage, NYC headquartered FinTech company that is creating the best rent payment experience. It’s hard to believe that it’s 2024 and paying rent on time is expensive, inflexible, and difficult. We’re here to change that! Flex enables our users to pay rent throughout the month on a schedule that better fits their finances and budget. Our mission is to empower as many renters as possible with flexibility over their most significant recurring expense. After deliberately keeping a stealth profile as we built up unprecedented investor support and an enthusiastic user base, we are looking for motivated individuals to help us keep our mission growing. Will you be a part of the team?

About the role

As the first Head of Strategic Risk Management at Flex, you will be responsible for developing and strengthening the organization’s proactive risk management framework, ensuring effective controls are in place across all risk categories. This role requires a deep understanding of the key components of Enterprise Risk Management, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting, with a particular focus on fintech and consumer financial services. You will play a pivotal role in fostering trust and connectivity between Flex’s leadership, board, partners, and regulatory stakeholders, ensuring that all strategic risks are properly managed to support business growth and resilience.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and continuous enhancement of an integrated Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Work closely with Finance, Legal, Compliance, Security, and Operations teams to ensure business practices are aligned with comprehensive risk management objectives.
• Independently assess the effectiveness of internal controls, including 1st and 2nd lines of defense, and ensure a robust, proactive risk culture across the organization.
• Develop and refine the firm’s strategic risk capability, collaborating with the executive office, business units, and key departments to maintain a holistic view of operations.
• Champion business transformation and risk controls by leading through influence, navigating complex changes, and building strong relationships.
• Build a future-facing capability by continuously monitoring emerging risk trends, best practices, and regulatory developments to advise leadership on their potential impact on the business.
• Proactively manage risks in a way that supports business growth, sustainability, and informed decision-making.
• Supervise and support third-party audits and exams, ensuring findings are communicated effectively to the executive risk committee, the board, and the board’s risk/audit committee.
• Develop and oversee corrective action plans to address identified issues and strengthen the company’s risk management capabilities.

Key qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in Risk Management, Consulting, Compliance, and/or Audit, with substantial experience supporting consumer financial institutions and technology companies.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Information Systems, or a related field; advanced degrees such as a J.D. or M.B.A. strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of risk management principles, methodologies, tools, and processes (e.g., strategic risk assessments, risk planning, testing, reporting, and continuous monitoring).
• Extensive experience working in 2nd line of defense roles within consumer financial services, with the ability to provide strategic risk oversight across business operations. Experience in 3rd line roles is a plus.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve complex, high-impact issues and develop robust risk management frameworks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with experience interacting with senior executives, external partners, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, while maintaining a strategic, long-term focus on risk management.
• Willingness to travel as required for meetings, conferences, and other strategic events.

The national pay range for this role is $230,000-$330,000 in base salary. Individual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience aligned with Flex's internal leveling guidelines and benchmarks.