Operational Risk Lead

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams - People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more - provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.
The Role
Square Financial Services, Inc. ("SFS") was approved for an industrial bank charter by the Utah Department of Financial Services ("UDFI") and deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") in March 2020. The Bank opened in March 2021 as a Utah corporation and has since been delivering on Block's mission of economic empowerment by helping small business owners and underserved communities across the United States.
SFS has launched a search for an Operational Risk Leader, who will report to the Chief Risk Officer. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive operational risk management program for the Bank, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
You Will

• Develop and implement an enterprise-wide operational risk management framework for SFS
• Establish operational risk policies, procedures, and

You Have

• 8+ years of operational risk management experience in financial services or banking
• Proven track record of at least 3 years managing and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated experience building or significantly enhancing operational risk programs
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business, or related field; MBA or relevant certifications (FRM, PRM, CORMS) strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of operational risk frameworks, methodologies, and regulatory requirements
• Experience working with bank regulators (FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, state banking departments)
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication skills with ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity and solve complex problems
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capabilities
• Passion for Block and desire to help customers
• Thrives in fast-paced, innovative environments with evolving priorities

We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, and always assess candidates on an individualized basis.
We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page .
Block will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and "fair chance" ordinances.
Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location's zone designation, please refer to this resource . If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
Zone A:
$198,000 - $297,000 USD
Zone B:
$198,000 - $297,000 USD
Zone C:
$198,000 - $297,000 USD
Zone D:
$198,000 - $297,000 USD
Application Guidelines
Candidates may submit up to 9 active applications within a 60-day period. Reapplications to the same role are accepted 90 days after a previous application has been reviewed.
Use of AI in Our Hiring Process
We may use automated AI tools to evaluate job applications for efficiency and consistency. These tools comply with local regulations, including bias audits, and we handle all personal data in accordance with state and local privacy laws.
Contact us here with hiring practice or data usage questions.
Every benefit we offer is designed with one goal: empowering you to do the best work of your career while building the life you want. Remote work, medical insurance, flexible time off, retirement savings plans, and modern family planning are just some of our offering. Check out our other benefits at Block.
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we're helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.