Northwestern Mutual

Vice President, IT Governance, Risk & Compliance

Northwestern Mutual$220K — $330K *
Finance & Insurance
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of leadership experience in IT governance, risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity
  • Deep understanding of governance versus compliance, especially in cybersecurity contexts
  • Experience in highly regulated environments, particularly in insurance or financial services
  • Proficient in developing scalable risk management programs using technology, automation, and AI
  • Skilled in executive communication with experience presenting to boards and regulators
  • Strong knowledge of IT architectures, data protection, and cybersecurity operations
  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalent are advantageous.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a multi-year strategy for IT GRC aligned with business objectives
  • Transform compliance practices into a modern, automated, data-driven model
  • Build and manage a high-performing team across governance and risk disciplines
  • Collaborate across departments to integrate risk management into enterprise processes
  • Oversee governance frameworks and risk management for IT and cybersecurity
  • Lead compliance initiatives ensuring readiness for examinations and audits
  • Champion modernization and automation of GRC practices using advanced technologies.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead transformative initiatives within a modern GRC framework
  • Cross-departmental collaboration with key business leaders and regulatory bodies
  • Access to continuous professional development and leadership opportunities
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technologies including AI and automation
  • A culture of accountability and transparency in decision-making across the enterprise.
Full Job Description

Summary

We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Vice President of IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (IT GRC) to lead and transform the enterprise IT GRC function. This executive leader will be responsible for establishing and advancing a modern, technology-enabled governance, risk, compliance, and regulatory response program that supports the company mission, protects customers, and enables business growth.

This role requires an exceptional leader who can operate at the intersection of cybersecurity, technology, risk management, audit, regulation, and business strategy. The successful candidate will possess deep knowledge of cybersecurity and technology risks, extensive experience within highly regulated industries, and a demonstrated ability to build scalable programs leveraging automation, data intelligence, continuous assurance, and artificial intelligence.

The Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, regulators, auditors, and business stakeholders while driving a culture of accountability, transparency, and risk-informed decision making across the enterprise.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute a multi-year vision and strategy for the IT GRC organization aligned with enterprise objectives, technology strategy, and cybersecurity priorities.

  • Transform traditional compliance and risk management practices into a modern, data-driven operating model emphasizing automation, scalability, and continuous monitoring.

  • Build a high-performing organization that attracts, develops, and retains top talent across governance, compliance, risk management, and regulatory disciplines.

  • Partner closely with Cybersecurity, Technology, Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal, Privacy, and business leadership to ensure integrated risk management across the enterprise.

Governance & Risk Management

  • Oversee enterprise IT governance frameworks, policies, standards, controls, and risk management processes.

  • Ensure effective identification, assessment, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of technology and cybersecurity risks.

  • Drive maturation of risk management capabilities through improved metrics, analytics, and automation.

  • Develop meaningful executive and board-level reporting that translates technical risks into business and financial impacts.

Regulatory Compliance & Audit

  • Lead compliance efforts related to applicable technology and cybersecurity regulations and standards.

  • Maintain readiness for regulatory examinations and external reviews.

  • Serve as the primary executive sponsor for technology and cybersecurity audits, examinations, and regulatory engagements.

  • Establish sustainable and defensible compliance practices that withstand both regulatory and audit scrutiny.

  • Drive remediation of audit findings and regulatory concerns through risk-based prioritization and measurable outcomes.

Technology & Cybersecurity Leadership

  • Provide strategic oversight for technology and cybersecurity governance programs.

  • Partner with cybersecurity leadership to assess and manage emerging threats, control effectiveness, security maturity, and operational risk.

  • Apply practical cybersecurity experience to improve governance and risk outcomes rather than relying solely on theoretical compliance models.

  • Maintain awareness of evolving threat landscapes, technology trends, cloud risks, AI-related risks, and cybersecurity regulations.

Modernization, Automation & AI

  • Champion modernization of IT GRC practices through automation, workflow orchestration, advanced analytics, and data-driven decision making.

  • Lead the adoption of continuous assurance capabilities that reduce manual evidence collection and repetitive compliance activities.

  • Drive elimination of duplicate processes and fragmented controls across governance, risk, and compliance programs.

  • Establish governance frameworks and oversight mechanisms for emerging AI technologies and AI-enabled business processes.

  • Foster a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining appropriate risk management and regulatory compliance.

Executive & Board Engagement

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CISO, CIO, executive leadership team, and governance committees.

  • Deliver concise, compelling, and actionable briefings to senior executives, board committees, auditors, and regulators.

  • Translate complex technical, cyber, and regulatory issues into language appropriate for executive and board audiences.

  • Build strong relationships across the organization to influence decision making and achieve strategic outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • A cybersecurity leader who understands governance and compliance, not simply a compliance leader who understands regulations.

  • A technology strategist who understands how platforms, integrations, automation, and AI enable scalable risk management.

  • 15+ years of progressive leadership experience across IT governance, risk management, compliance, audit, cybersecurity, or technology management.

  • Demonstrated experience leading large-scale enterprise programs within a highly regulated environment.

  • Strong understanding of information technology, cybersecurity architectures, cloud technologies, identity and access management, data protection, and technology operations.

  • Extensive experience managing regulatory compliance programs and interactions with internal and external auditors.

  • Proven experience presenting to executive leadership teams, board committees, regulators, and auditors.

  • Demonstrated success developing enterprise-wide governance, risk, compliance, or cybersecurity programs.

  • Exceptional executive communication, influencing, and relationship management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience within the insurance industry strongly preferred.

  • Experience within financial services, banking, wealth management, or other highly regulated industries.

  • Prior leadership experience in a cybersecurity discipline such as cyber defense, security engineering, identity and access management, security architecture, incident response, risk management, or security operations.

  • Experience implementing or leading modern GRC platforms and technology-enabled compliance programs.

  • Experience leading large-scale compliance transformations, automation initiatives, or digital modernization programs.

  • Knowledge of emerging AI governance, model risk management, and technology ethics practices.

  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CISA, CPA, CIA, or equivalent.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$220,000.00

Pay Range - End:

$330,000.00

This role is eligible for additional short-term and long-term incentive compensation.


We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Northwestern Mutual.

SEARCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL JOBS

Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
Learn more about Northwestern Mutual
Size
7,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Northwestern Mutual

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar Vice President, IT Governance, Risk & Compliance jobs: