Risk & Compliance Associate Director - Technology Knowledge and Frameworks

You'll be part of McKinsey’s Client Service Risk (CSR) function, whose mission is to enable client impact & innovation, while managing risks to our clients, our firm, & our people.

Do you want to work on complex and pressing challenges—the kind that bring together curious, ambitious, and determined leaders who strive to become better every day? If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.

Your Impact

In the Global Technology Risk team, we are enabling positive and lasting impact from the Tech and AI revolution through pragmatic, expert and integrated technology risk capabilities. Our goal is to act as trusted thought-partners to the firm's leadership on technology and its risks, serving as innovative problem solvers. We offer deep expertise on emerging issues and trends, drawing on a strong network of relationships within and beyond the firm.

As an Associate Director in our Knowledge and Frameworks Program, you will define and execute strategic capabilities that improve our risk management and advisory program. You will proactively address cross-functional issues and set policies and guidelines for the firm where appropriate. You will form strategic partnerships across Risk, Technology, Ethics & Compliance, client service, and other functions. You will lead a team of professionals and oversee all aspects of the program throughout the lifecycle to ensure completion within the defined scope, quality, time, and cost constraints.

In your role, you will manage one or more large-scale, often global projects/initiatives that shape the overall approach to our firm’s risk priorities and solve real problems identified through daily work, stakeholder interviews, and end user research. You will build support for your program through syndication and prepare regular updates for leadership and firm governance committees to ensure transparency and set direction. You will measure the impact of work through data and insights to ensure we are delivering on our value promise to the firm.

In this role you will drive and coordinate a global program responsible for leading research efforts, shaping firm policies and guidance, design risk frameworks, develop strategies, and enable risk governance and oversight.

You will convene governance committees comprised of key leaders and decision-makers to establish our strategic stance on key issues, which will inform policy, strategies, and implementation. Additionally, you will be shaping firm policies and guidance on technology and data risk.

You will also lead research studies on emerging technology and data risk topics and be responsible for identifying, prioritizing and reporting key risk indicators to measure the firm’s risk exposure, leveraging external and internal signals. You will be responsible for developing strategies to address priority technology risk topics and provide expert input to Firm training and awareness initiatives to address risk topics.

You are responsible for developing knowledge assets which document and communicate our leading perspectives and points of view on relevant risk topics and design new risk management frameworks to address the evolving risk landscape. You will be sure to collaborate across teams in Risk, Ethics & Compliance, Legal, Technology and other firm functions to coordinate execution of strategies, implementation of risk frameworks, and policies.

You will provide inspirational leadership, guidance, mentorship, and empowerment to Client Service Risk team members of all levels of seniority, sharing knowledge and growing skills. You will foster a collaborative and inclusive environment while empowering individuals to be innovative and performance-driven in their own tasks and shape team agenda and advise team members on recommended solutions. You will mentor and apprentice more junior colleagues, providing developmental support and guidance, and driving the year-end evaluation process for direct reports.

You will operate with limited oversight from Director of CSR, Global Technology Risk.

Your Growth

You are someone who thrives in a high-performance environment, bringing a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle meaningful challenges that have a real impact.

In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we’ll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help you quickly broaden your expertise, grow into a well-rounded professional, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference.

When you join us, you will have:

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You’ll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm’s diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Exceptional benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family.

Your qualifications and skills

• University degree and excellent academic record, advanced degree or certifications preferred
• 8+ years of relevant experience in risk and/or technology risk across AI, cyber, data, change management, design or operations
• Proven track record and expertise creating and successfully executing global strategic initiatives that meet the objectives of excellence in a dynamic environment, as well as ability to work with relevant (incl. senior) stakeholders
• Demonstrated results in driving operational impact across teams and making effective trade-offs to accomplish priorities; ability to create and execute global strategic initiatives, with a strong mix of strategic and execution skills
• Demonstrated expertise in integrative and analytical problem-solving and ability to communicate and drive programs with limited oversight
• Has a reputation as a credible expert in shaping contributions and/or developing knowledge beyond the domain
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to anticipate, identify, and mitigate issues affecting the firm's image and reputation
• Strong entrepreneurial drive and ownership mentality to progress on ambiguous problems and see them through to resolution (e.g., establishing clear work scopes and milestones and finding help when additional resources or support are needed); ability to define and monitor metrics that identify and communicate progress and highlight risks
• Strong people leader, with the ability to inspire a group of colleagues and build support around a shared mission and vision
• Effective communicator with strong personal presence and credibility; adept at influencing and engaging with all types of audiences to cultivate trust-based, peer-counselor relationships
• Ability to work in-person and travel as needed (team schedules and office locations may vary)

Capabilities

• Risk & Resilience