AVP Operational & Model Risk

We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.Purpose:The AVP Operational and Model Risk plays a critical leadership role in advancing Athene’s Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks. This role is responsible for driving consistent, high-quality execution of risk practices across the organization while partnering closely with business and functional leaders to strengthen risk identification, governance, and decision-making.As part of Athene’s broader risk organization, and backed by the scale and capabilities of Apollo, this role offers the opportunity to influence risk strategy across a complex, fast-growing platform. The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical risk expertise, leadership capability, and a proactive mindset to continuously enhance risk frameworks and drive meaningful business impact.Accountabilities:Lead the execution and continuous enhancement of Operational and Model Risk Management frameworks, ensuring consistent application across business units and alignment with risk appetite and regulatory expectationsOversee operational risk assessments, incident and issue management, and risk monitoring activities, identifying key themes, emerging risks, and opportunities for improved controls and mitigationDrive model risk governance processes, including oversight of model inventory, validation activities, and lifecycle management, ensuring robust documentation, transparency, and audit readinessPartner with business leaders, actuarial, and functional stakeholders to provide effective challenge, support risk-informed decision-making, and ensure strong adoption of risk practicesLead the development of clear, decision-useful reporting and insights for senior leadership and risk governance forums, including committees and regulatory engagementsDrive improvements to risk systems, tools, and processes, including the adoption of technology and AI-enabled capabilities to enhance efficiency, scalability, and transparencyLead, develop, and coach a high-performing team, fostering a strong risk culture, accountability, and continuous learning across the functionServe on the cross-functional AI forums, providing an Operational Risk perspective on the evaluation, adoption, and governance of AI and machine learning tools.Qualifications and Experience:8+ years of relevant experience in operational risk, model risk, or related disciplines within financial services or insurance, including direct or indirect people leadership experienceStrong knowledge of operational and model risk frameworks, including risk assessment, incident management, and model lifecycle governanceProven ability to influence stakeholders and provide effective challenge in a complex, cross-functional environmentExperience driving process improvements, governance enhancements, or risk framework maturity initiativesBachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field; advanced degree preferredDrive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene.Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans.Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.SummaryLocation: West Des Moines, IowaType: Full time