Risk Management Lead Jobs in California
Risk Management Lead jobs in California are in strong and consistent demand, with the heaviest concentration in financial services, technology, and healthcare across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Major employers with lasting California footprints include Wells Fargo, Kaiser Permanente, and Pacific Gas and Electric, all of which maintain dedicated risk teams at multiple levels. Enterprise risk management, operational risk, and cybersecurity risk are the specialties California employers are hiring for most actively, from analyst-track leads to senior program heads. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
SENIOR LEAD BUSINESS CONTINUITY RISK MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
Business Continuity Risk Management (BCRM) program is in the second line of defense and is accountable for CNB's BCRM strategy and framework, enabling CNB to identify, measure, monitor, and mitigate the risks associated with business continuity, crisis management and disaster recovery arising from CNB's business processes, people, systems or external events. BCRM works across CNB's businesses and functions, providing independent oversight and challenge to ensure effective implementation of BCM practices in compliance with regulatory and policy requirements. BCRM is also accountable to provide insight on CNB's overall Business Continuity Risk Profile. The Business Continuity Risk Management Sr. Lead is responsible for identifying and leading business continuity risk assessments, providing advice and independent challenge, monitoring metrics/key risk indicators, conducting business continuity risk reviews and analysis, and reporting thematic risks to ensure the Business Continuity Risk Profile is fairly presented.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
- Lead the development and execution of the BCRM risk program, framework, policies and procedures consistent with City National Bank’s and RBC’s Risk Framework to ensure a sound control environment from a BC/Operational Resilience perspective.
- Engage with internal stakeholder groups and external resources to maintain awareness of current and emerging risks and regulatory expectations.
- Lead independent business continuity risk reviews on the BCM program, including crisis management and disaster recovery, risks and control assessments, and root cause analysis.
- Streamline processes for risk identification and assessment, control assessment, testing and issue management.
- Lead continuous improvement activities and initiatives for BCRM, working with stakeholders, subject matter experts, and analysis of exception reports to define issues, determine root cause, and determine appropriate changes.
- Lead audit and regulatory BCRM remediation activities and ensure that all requests are completed timely, and materials provided as appropriate.
- Provide advice and oversight on business continuity program risk issues, monitoring and measuring business continuity risk performance, policy adherence, and reviewing and challenging of strategy (initiative, products), control design, implementation, testing, and remediation across CNB.
- Develop risk analysis and reporting, including risk metrics and thematic reviews, for dissemination to both first line of defense BCM leadership, risk management committees, CNB’s parent holding company, and CNB’s regulators.
- Liaise with key stakeholder groups including Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, First Line Business Continuity Management, Crisis Management Group, and Third-Party Risk Management.
- Ensure appropriate escalation of issues to first line and senior management as required.
- Lead independent business continuity risk reviews on new products, new processes, risks and control assessments, and root cause analysis.
- Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding CNB, 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.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
- Minimum 12 years of Business Continuity Risk Management and Operational Resilience
- Minimum 8 years of experience in risk and controls, appropriately scoping assessments, providing credible challenges, and performing assurance testing.
Additional Qualifications
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience in business Continuity risk management including disaster recovery, crisis management and operational resiliency processes and frameworks.
- Strong understanding of the business continuity risk encompassing business continuity planning, disaster recovery and crisis management framework and practices; strong knowledge of the FFIEC IT BCM Handbook and NIST.
- Currently hold or quickly obtain industry recognized certification within the business continuity industry.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills; experience performing both detailed and executive-level documentation.
- Experience using business continuity or Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) systems.
- Ability to drive change to business practices by working effectively. Self-starting with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
- Strong project management skills.
- Client-focused and open to different ideas/viewpoints.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office tools; specifically, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
- Demonstrated analytical skills with follow-up and problem solving capability to improve quality, controls, and efficiency.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Compensation
Starting base salary: $99,000 - $176,000 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. This job is eligible for bonus and/or commissions.
Benefits and Perks
At City National, we strive to be the best at whatever we do, including the benefits and perks we offer our colleagues including:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, available the first of the month following start date
- Generous 401(k) company matching contribution
- Career Development through Tuition Reimbursement and other internal upskilling and training resources
- Valued Time Away benefits including vacation, sick and volunteer time
- Specialized health and family planning benefits including fertility benefits, and cancer, diabetes and musculoskeletal support programs
- Career Mobility support from a dedicated recruitment team
- Colleague Resource Groups to support networking and community engagement
Get a more detailed look at our Benefits and Perks.
About us
Since day one we've always gone further than the competition to help our clients, colleagues and communities flourish. City National Bank was founded in 1954 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and that legacy of integrity, community and unparalleled client relationships continues today. City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies.
INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
City National Bank fosters an inclusive environment where all forms of diversity are valued and leveraged to make us a better company and employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other basis protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Represents basic qualifications for the position. To be considered for this position, you must at least meet the required qualifications. careers.cnb.com accepts applications on an ongoing basis, until filled.
Unless otherwise indicated as fully remote, reporting into a designated City National location is an essential function of the job.
CA-AP
LI-AP
INTRODUCTION
SENIOR LEAD BUSINESS CONTINUITY RISK MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
Business Continuity Risk Management (BCRM) program is in the second line of defense and is accountable for CNB's BCRM strategy and framework, enabling CNB to identify, measure, monitor, and mitigate the risks associated with business continuity, crisis management and disaster recovery arising from CNB's business processes, people, systems or external events. BCRM works across CNB's businesses and functions, providing independent oversight and challenge to ensure effective implementation of BCM practices in compliance with regulatory and policy requirements. BCRM is also accountable to provide insight on CNB's overall Business Continuity Risk Profile. The Business Continuity Risk Management Sr. Lead is responsible for identifying and leading business continuity risk assessments, providing advice and independent challenge, monitoring metrics/key risk indicators, conducting business continuity risk reviews and analysis, and reporting thematic risks to ensure the Business Continuity Risk Profile is fairly presented.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
- Lead the development and execution of the BCRM risk program, framework, policies and procedures consistent with City National Bank’s and RBC’s Risk Framework to ensure a sound control environment from a BC/Operational Resilience perspective.
- Engage with internal stakeholder groups and external resources to maintain awareness of current and emerging risks and regulatory expectations.
- Lead independent business continuity risk reviews on the BCM program, including crisis management and disaster recovery, risks and control assessments, and root cause analysis.
- Streamline processes for risk identification and assessment, control assessment, testing and issue management.
- Lead continuous improvement activities and initiatives for BCRM, working with stakeholders, subject matter experts, and analysis of exception reports to define issues, determine root cause, and determine appropriate changes.
- Lead audit and regulatory BCRM remediation activities and ensure that all requests are completed timely, and materials provided as appropriate.
- Provide advice and oversight on business continuity program risk issues, monitoring and measuring business continuity risk performance, policy adherence, and reviewing and challenging of strategy (initiative, products), control design, implementation, testing, and remediation across CNB.
- Develop risk analysis and reporting, including risk metrics and thematic reviews, for dissemination to both first line of defense BCM leadership, risk management committees, CNB’s parent holding company, and CNB’s regulators.
- Liaise with key stakeholder groups including Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, First Line Business Continuity Management, Crisis Management Group, and Third-Party Risk Management.
- Ensure appropriate escalation of issues to first line and senior management as required.
- Lead independent business continuity risk reviews on new products, new processes, risks and control assessments, and root cause analysis.
- Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding CNB, 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.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
- Minimum 12 years of Business Continuity Risk Management and Operational Resilience
- Minimum 8 years of experience in risk and controls, appropriately scoping assessments, providing credible challenges, and performing assurance testing.
Additional Qualifications
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience in business Continuity risk management including disaster recovery, crisis management and operational resiliency processes and frameworks.
- Strong understanding of the business continuity risk encompassing business continuity planning, disaster recovery and crisis management framework and practices; strong knowledge of the FFIEC IT BCM Handbook and NIST.
- Currently hold or quickly obtain industry recognized certification within the business continuity industry.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills; experience performing both detailed and executive-level documentation.
- Experience using business continuity or Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) systems.
- Ability to drive change to business practices by working effectively. Self-starting with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
- Strong project management skills.
- Client-focused and open to different ideas/viewpoints.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office tools; specifically, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
- Demonstrated analytical skills with follow-up and problem solving capability to improve quality, controls, and efficiency.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Compensation
Starting base salary: $99,000 - $176,000 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. This job is eligible for bonus and/or commissions.
Benefits and Perks
At City National, we strive to be the best at whatever we do, including the benefits and perks we offer our colleagues including:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, available the first of the month following start date
- Generous 401(k) company matching contribution
- Career Development through Tuition Reimbursement and other internal upskilling and training resources
- Valued Time Away benefits including vacation, sick and volunteer time
- Specialized health and family planning benefits including fertility benefits, and cancer, diabetes and musculoskeletal support programs
- Career Mobility support from a dedicated recruitment team
- Colleague Resource Groups to support networking and community engagement
Get a more detailed look at our Benefits and Perks.
About us
Since day one we've always gone further than the competition to help our clients, colleagues and communities flourish. City National Bank was founded in 1954 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and that legacy of integrity, community and unparalleled client relationships continues today. City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies.
INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
City National Bank fosters an inclusive environment where all forms of diversity are valued and leveraged to make us a better company and employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other basis protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Represents basic qualifications for the position. To be considered for this position, you must at least meet the required qualifications. careers.cnb.com accepts applications on an ongoing basis, until filled.
Unless otherwise indicated as fully remote, reporting into a designated City National location is an essential function of the job.
CA-AP
LI-AP
See All 45 Risk Management Lead Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Risk Management Lead JobsRisk Management Lead Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Risk Management Lead Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Meta4
- TikTok4
- City National Bank3
- OpenAI3
- Airwallex2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software16
- Banking & Financial Services9
- Electronics & Hardware5
- Science & Research5
- Investment & Asset Management2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in risk management lead jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in risk management, finance, business, or a related field required
- Five or more years of experience in risk management or a closely related discipline
- Professional certification such as CRM, ARM, or FRM strongly preferred by California employers
- Demonstrated experience building or leading enterprise or operational risk frameworks
- Strong working knowledge of California regulatory environments including DFPI and CPUC requirements
- Proficiency with GRC platforms and risk reporting tools used across California industries
Risk Management Lead Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a risk management lead in California?
The typical California path starts with a bachelor's degree in risk management, finance, or business, followed by several years in analyst or specialist roles before moving into a lead position. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for risk management leads, but employers consistently expect professional credentials such as the Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Chartered Risk Analyst, or Financial Risk Manager (FRM). Large California employers in finance and utilities often promote from internal risk analyst pipelines.
How much do risk management leads make in California?
Risk management leads in California earn a median of about $129,110 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $76,610 for the lowest 10% to over $208,360 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire risk management leads in California?
Employers hiring risk management leads in California right now include Meta, TikTok, and City National Bank, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major health systems, and regulated utilities means lead-level risk roles turn over regularly across multiple industries.
Which California cities have the most risk management lead jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose account for the largest share of risk management lead openings in California. The distribution reflects where California's major financial institutions, technology companies, and large health systems are headquartered, with Los Angeles and San Francisco driving volume through their dense corporate and banking sectors while San Diego contributes steady openings through its biotech, defense, and healthcare employers.
Are there remote risk management lead jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many management roles, since risk management lead work is heavily analytical and document-driven rather than on-site. About 29% of risk management lead openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of the role. Strategic oversight, policy development, and reporting functions are the tasks most frequently performed remotely, while roles tied to physical operations or regulated facilities tend to require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a risk management lead in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a risk analyst or compliance analyst role first, then building toward a lead title over two to four years. Large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo, and Pacific Gas and Electric run formal rotational or associate programs that place early-career candidates into risk teams. Adjacent roles in internal audit, regulatory affairs, or operations at California financial institutions and health systems are common launching points. Earning an ARM or enrolling in a risk management certificate program recognized by California employers strengthens candidacy significantly.
Where can I find and apply to risk management lead jobs in California?
You can find and apply to risk management lead jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 45 Risk Management Lead Jobs in California
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