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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

Governance Risk and Compliance Manager is part of the Risk Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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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

Review job descriptions in your target industry and list the top recurring requirements

Create a portfolio of two to three artifacts such as a policy draft, a risk register, and a control test plan

Strengthen your audit readiness skills by running a mock audit and documenting evidence sources

Build a simple risk reporting dashboard using common business tools

Partner with security, legal, and finance on one cross functional compliance initiative to show impact

Pursue a widely recognized certification aligned to your focus area such as CISA, CRISC, CISSP, or CCEP

Practice executive communication by writing a one page monthly risk and compliance update