Sr. Director, Compliance Testing
Apply Req ID: Req1489006 Date posted 09/05/2025Your Journey Starts Here:
Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Our focus is on fostering an enriching journey that empowers you to explore diverse career opportunities while nurturing your personal growth. We are committed to creating an environment where continuous learning and development are prioritized, enabling you to thrive both professionally and personally. Here, you will find ample opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented colleagues from around the world, sharing insights and driving innovation together. Join us at Santander, where you are supported by a culture of engagement and a commitment to your success.
An exciting journey awaits, if you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!
The Difference You Make:
The Senior Director, Compliance Testing will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the firm’s US compliance testing program. This role is accountable for developing and executing a comprehensive, risk-based framework that evaluates the effectiveness of compliance controls across all business units and complements regulatory monitoring. Serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives, the Senior Director will help the organization meet regulatory expectations, mitigate compliance risks, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability.
This leader plays a critical role in protecting the firm’s reputation by identifying control weaknesses, escalating issues, and driving timely remediation to safeguard clients, shareholders, and the organization as a whole.
This position is Hybrid, 3 days per week in office in Miami, Boston, or Dallas.
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
- Design, implement, and maintain a robust and transformative enterprise-wide compliance testing program aligned with regulatory guidance and industry best practices.
- Establish risk-based testing and monitoring methodologies to assess control effectiveness, identify weaknesses, and ensure timely remediation.
- Provide strategic input on compliance risk trends and recommend enhancements to the firm’s compliance program.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of compliance testing professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide coaching, training, and career development opportunities to build organizational testing capability.
Governance & Reporting
- Deliver comprehensive reports and dashboards that provide transparency into compliance testing results and emerging risk themes.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management, governance committees, and regulators as needed.
- Partner with Audit, Risk, and Compliance leadership to ensure alignment and consistency across assurance activities.
Regulatory Engagement & Advisory
- Serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory compliance requirements, particularly with OCC, FRB, CFPB, SEC, and FINRA.
- Proactively engage with regulators, demonstrating the strength and maturity of the compliance testing program.
- Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to update testing strategies accordingly.
What You Bring:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience: Business, Finance, or equivalent degree. - Required.
Master's Degree Business, Finance, or equivalent discipline. - Preferred.
J.D. Juris Doctor - Preferred.
12+ Years Compliance, Legal, Regulatory, Audit, or Risk Management in Financial Services. - Required.
5+ Years in a leadership role overseeing compliance testing or audit programs in financial institutions. - Required
- Deep understanding of U.S. banking and securities regulations, with proven ability to design regulatory-aligned testing frameworks.
- Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence at the Board and C-suite level.
- Demonstrated success in leading large teams, managing complex projects, and driving organizational change.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills.
- Strategic Vision, ability to translate regulatory expectations into actionable testing strategies.
- Leadership Excellence, skilled in building and inspiring diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Influence & Communication, capable of engaging with regulators and senior executives with clarity and confidence.
- Risk Mindset, strong grasp of compliance and operational risks with an enterprise-wide perspective.
- Collaboration, works effectively across functions, ensuring consistency and alignment in assurance activities.
Certifications:
• CRCM, CAMS, CCEP, or CIA -Preferred
It Would Be Nice For You To Have:
Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
What Else You Need To Know:
The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.
Base Pay Range
Minimum:
Maximum:
Link to Santander Benefits:
Santander Benefits - 2025 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)
Risk Culture:
We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.
EEO Statement:
At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Working Conditions:
Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.
Employer Rights:
This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.
What To Do Next:
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.
Primary Location: Dallas, TX, Dallas
Other Locations: Texas-Dallas,Florida-Coconut Grove,Massachusetts-Boston
Organization: Santander Holdings USA, Inc.