Governance Risk and Compliance Manager

Career Guide
A Governance Risk and Compliance Manager helps an organization operate responsibly and legally by building policies, identifying and reducing risks, and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and internal standards. The role works across teams to prevent issues, respond to audits, and improve controls so the business can grow safely.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain governance policies and standards
  • Lead risk assessments and keep a risk register up to date
  • Design and improve internal controls to reduce operational and regulatory risk
  • Plan and run compliance monitoring and testing activities
  • Prepare for internal and external audits and manage audit responses
  • Track regulatory changes and translate them into practical requirements
  • Investigate compliance incidents and coordinate corrective actions
  • Deliver compliance training and awareness programs
  • Report risk and compliance status to leadership with clear metrics
  • Partner with legal, security, finance, and operations to embed compliance into processes

Top Skills for Success

Risk Assessment
Control Design
Policy Development
Audit Management
Regulatory Research
Third Party Risk Management
Incident Management
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Clear Writing
Data Analysis
Change Management

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Governance Risk and Compliance Manager
Head of Governance Risk and Compliance
Director of Risk Management
Director of Compliance
Security Governance Risk and Compliance Lead
Transition Opportunities
Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Risk Officer
Internal Audit Director
Information Security Manager
Privacy Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Risk QuantificationControl TestingVendor Risk AssessmentsMetrics DevelopmentRegulatory InterpretationExecutive ReportingAutomation of Compliance Workflows
Development SuggestionsBuild a repeatable risk assessment and control testing approach, practice writing short executive updates, and learn how to automate evidence collection and tracking. Seek exposure to vendor reviews, audits, and a full compliance cycle from planning through remediation.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 85,000 to 115,000
Mid LevelUSD 115,000 to 155,000
Senior LevelUSD 155,000 to 210,000
Growth Trend
Stable to growing demand, driven by increased regulation, third party risk, cybersecurity expectations, and stronger board oversight. Hiring is especially active in financial services, healthcare, technology, and regulated manufacturing.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
JPMorgan ChaseBank of AmericaWells FargoGoldman SachsCitigroupUnitedHealth GroupCVS HealthKaiser PermanenteAmazonMicrosoftGoogleIBMDeloittePwCEYKPMG
Industry Sectors
BankingInsuranceHealthcareTechnologyRetail and E commerceEnergy and UtilitiesTelecommunicationsManufacturingConsulting and Advisory

Recommended Next Steps

1
Review job descriptions in your target industry and list the top recurring requirements
2
Create a portfolio of two to three artifacts such as a policy draft, a risk register, and a control test plan
3
Strengthen your audit readiness skills by running a mock audit and documenting evidence sources
4
Build a simple risk reporting dashboard using common business tools
5
Partner with security, legal, and finance on one cross functional compliance initiative to show impact
6
Pursue a widely recognized certification aligned to your focus area such as CISA, CRISC, CISSP, or CCEP
7
Practice executive communication by writing a one page monthly risk and compliance update