Director of EFG Operational Risk

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions.

We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

It is the responsibility of the Director of EFG Operational Risk to take ownership of all tasks and challenges that they encounter in the operation of their assigned position. The Director of EFG Operational Risk at South State Equipment Finance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the risk management framework designed to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate operational risks across the business line. This includes oversight of internal processes & controls, SOX compliance, regulatory adherence, and process optimization to ensure operational excellence and compliance with bank-wide policies and federal & state banking regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Operational Excellence & Efficiency

* Manage internal EFG operations staff & collaborate with bank Operations, Portfolio Managers, Credit Risk, and Finance to streamline processes, reduce risk, and improve efficiency.

* Oversee the development of formal operating procedures and ensure consistent application across the equipment finance business.

* Implement process improvements for the EFG using data-driven analysis within Aspire and risk-based prioritization within nCino.

* Monitor vendor risk management activities related to third-party service providers, i.e. LTi Aspire & Super Trump, CCH Sales Tax and any other 3rd party vendor to the EFG.

Operational Risk Management

* Lead the design and execution of the operational risk framework for Equipment Finance Group, ensuring alignment with South State Bank's enterprise compliance & risk management policies.

* Identify and assess operational risks related to equipment leasing & lending, servicing, collections, credit, and portfolio management functions.

* Develop and maintain key risk indicators (KRIs) and risk appetite metrics to monitor and report on operational risk exposures.

* Partner with the line of business leader & commercial line of business to implement effective risk mitigation and control strategies.

* Coordinate root cause analysis and corrective action plans for operational incidents and process gaps.

SOX & Internal Controls

* Manage the SOX control framework for the Equipment Finance division, ensuring effective design, documentation, and testing of key controls.

* Liaise with the internal SOX control teams & auditors to support annual SOX testing and audits.

* Monitor remediation activities for control deficiencies and ensure timely resolution.

* Oversee the control certification process and ensure operational adherence to corporate governance standards.

Regulatory Compliance

* Ensure compliance with applicable banking laws and regulations, including FDIC, OCC, CFPB, and UCC requirements.

* Support and enhance the business's adherence to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Fair Lending policies.

* Partner with the bank's Compliance and Legal departments to interpret new regulatory guidance and integrate into business operations.

* Provide training and guidance to staff on compliance-related risk management practices.

Governance & Reporting

* Prepare and present regular risk assessments, dashboards, and reports to senior leadership and the enterprise risk committee.

* Support regulatory and board reporting as needed.

* Champion a strong risk culture through communication, education, and accountability across all levels of the organization.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrable track record of senior level reviewing & booking of equipment finance loans and leases.

• Effective communication skills, including written and phone skills.

• Understanding of the equipment finance process from front end origination to closing.

• Knowledge of and willingness to use nCino, Super Trump, Microsoft Office suite, and back-end computer systems

• Ability for light travel for personnel meetings

• Comprehensive knowledge of equipment loans & all types of equipment leases, as well as all types of sales & use taxes.

• Commercial & MMKT banking knowledge

• Knowledge of the different equipment industries

Qualifications, Education, and Certification Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA or related master's degree preferred.

• Experience: 20+ years of experience in operations, risk management, internal audit, or compliance within a bank owned equipment finance company.

• Certifications/Specific Knowledge: Deep industry knowledge of the equipment financing and leasing industry, with in depth knowledge of various loan and lease structures. Broad understanding of SOX controls, bank regulatory compliance, and operational risk frameworks in equipment finance & leasing. Strong analytical, leadership, and project management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clear reporting and presentations. Proficient in Super Trump, InfoAnalysis and knowledge of lease operating systems.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

Required annual compliance training & New Employee Orientation

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will be remote. Telecommuting roles no matter if hybrid or 100% full time telecommuting must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred. Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology is delivered.

TRAVEL

Travel will be necessary for client meetings, bank meetings and line of business meetings.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.