Risk Governance Manager- Credit & Lending

Governance Manager Credit & Lending

Location: Cleveland, OH or Buffalo, NY preferred.

Hybrid Requirement (if within specific cities): Selected candidate resides in Key Bank footprint are expected to work on-site 3 days per week at the nearest KeyBank office (non-branch location). Remote Option: If the selected candidate lives outside of KeyBank's geographic footprint, the position will be considered fully remote.

Job Brief (Purpose): The Governance Manager Credit & Lending serves as a key member of the first line Risk team within the Commercial Bank, with responsibility for executing and overseeing governance activities related to the Commercial lending portfolio, including Middle Market and Financial Sponsor relationships.

The role is accountable for establishing, managing, and enhancing governance processes that support sound credit risk management, regulatory readiness, and effective portfolio oversight. This includes partnering closely with business, risk, and control functions to support delinquency oversight, risk assessments, regulatory examinations, internal audits, portfolio reviews, and executive-level reporting. The position requires a strong ability to translate data and risk insights into clear narratives, manage complex cross-functional initiatives, and provide credible challenge and oversight while enabling disciplined growth. The ideal candidate brings experience operating in a highly regulated lending environment, with strong project management, communication, and analytical capabilities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Support governance activities tied to the Commercial lending portfolio, including oversight of delinquency trends, forecasting, and emerging credit risk themes
• Participate in risk profile assessments, contributing analysis and business commentary for internal risk forums, leadership updates, and governance reporting
• Review and assess risk acceptance requests related to Middle Market and other Commercial lending activities, ensuring alignment with risk appetite, policy requirements, and governance expectations
• Manage the Middle Market Financial Sponsor review process, including:
  • Developing and maintaining review documentation
  • Facilitating sponsor review forums and governance discussions
  • Preparing summary materials and outcomes for leadership
• Design and implement an annual Financial Sponsor portfolio review process, leveraging internal data and partnering with stakeholders to:
  • Build dashboards and reporting
  • Identify risk themes, concentrations, and trends
  • Deliver clear, executive-ready insights
• Assist in the preparation and management of monthly and periodic business reviews for the Commercial loan portfolio
• Synthesize large volumes of information into clear narratives, key takeaways, and actionable recommendations for senior leadership
• Serve as a first-line liaison for regulatory exams, internal audits, and independent risk reviews related to credit and lending activities
• Coordinate collection of documentation, responses, and evidence from business partners
• Track and support remediation of findings, issues, and action plans related to governance or portfolio oversight
• Partner effectively with business leaders, second line risk management, compliance, operations, and finance to enhance governance processes
• Identify opportunities to improve oversight frameworks, reporting, and governance efficiency
• Maintain strong awareness of regulatory expectations, internal policies, and industry trends impacting Commercial credit and lending activities

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; industry experience preferred
• Experience in risk management, first line of risk, governance, or risk oversight
• Credit or lending knowledge within a Commercial or Banking environment
• Experience working in a highly regulated industry, preferably Banking or Financial Services
• Project management experience, including managing multiple workstreams and stakeholders
• Experience supporting or interacting with regulatory exams, internal audits, or control reviews
• Demonstrated ability to present to senior leadership and executives
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Salesforce and Tableau preferred
• Proven track record of creating, implementing, and sustaining governance or oversight processes
• Strong ability to analyze data, synthesize insights, and develop clear, concise narratives
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively, build networks, and influence across functions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting Commercial Bank or Middle Market portfolios
• Familiarity with Financial Sponsor business models and portfolio monitoring
• Experience with portfolio dashboards, risk metrics, or credit analytics
• Exposure to risk governance forums, business risk committees, or portfolio review processes
• Professional certifications related to risk, credit, audit, or project management (preferred, not required)

Physical Demands:

• This role requires standard office-based physical activities such as sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods.

Travel/Driving Requirements

• Minimal to no travel expected

Key has implemented a role-based Mobile by Design approach to our employee workspaces, dedicating space to those whose roles require specific workspaces, while providing flexible options for roles which are less dependent on assigned workspaces and can be performed effectively in a mobile environment. As a result, this role may be mobile or home based, which means you may work either at a home office or in a Key facility to perform your job duties.

Compensation and Benefits: This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $96,000.00 - $181,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.

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