Global Head of Sanctions Operations, MD

Job description

This Managing Director role, Global Head of Sanctions Operations, is a senior leadership position within the Payments and Sanctions Operations leadership team, reporting within Services Operations. It also provides senior leadership presence in our New York Headquarters, alongside our most senior Product and Technology partners. The role provides global accountability for Citi's Sanctions Operations organization and is responsible for leading the execution and continued evolution of the firm's sanctions operating model across businesses, products, and geographies. The successful candidate will lead large-scale global teams responsible for sanctions screening, investigations, alert dispositioning, interdiction processing, and sanctions-related operational activities. This executive will drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, risk management, client experience, and strategic transformation through the adoption of automation, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital capabilities. The role requires close partnership with Financial Crimes Compliance, Technology, Risk, Legal, Audit, and business leadership to ensure Citi maintains a best-in-class sanctions control environment while supporting business growth and operational resilience. The position demands significant experience leading global operations organizations within highly regulated environments and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across businesses, functions, and geographies. Responsibilities Strategic & Operational Leadership Lead the global Sanctions Operations organization, delivering operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strong client outcomes. Define and execute the strategic vision for Sanctions Operations, aligning operational priorities with Citi's business, risk, and regulatory objectives. Drive transformation initiatives that improve effectiveness, scalability, resilience, productivity, and service quality. Modernize operations through automation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, digitization, and workflow optimization. Establish performance metrics and governance frameworks that promote continuous improvement and strong execution. Partner across Operations, Product, Technology, Compliance, Risk, Legal, Audit, and business leadership to deliver strategic priorities and enterprise objectives. Global Sanctions Operations Maintain end-to-end accountability for sanctions screening, investigations, alert dispositioning, interdiction processing, and associated operational activities globally. Ensure effective execution of sanctions controls across payments, trade finance, securities, customer onboarding, and other relevant transaction flows. Manage high-volume sanctions screening and investigations operations while maintaining strong quality, timeliness, and regulatory compliance standards. Drive enhancements to screening effectiveness, case management capabilities, data quality, and operational intelligence. Ensure sanctions operations remain responsive to changing regulatory requirements, geopolitical developments, and emerging financial crime risks. Support new products, client implementations, strategic initiatives, and acquisitions through effective sanctions risk assessment and operational readiness. Risk, Governance & Regulatory Management Maintain robust operational controls, procedures, and governance frameworks consistent with Citi policy, regulatory expectations, and enterprise risk standards. Partner closely with Financial Crimes Compliance to ensure effective implementation of sanctions policies, standards, and regulatory commitments. Represent Sanctions Operations during regulatory examinations, audits, independent reviews, and risk assessments. Ensure timely remediation of audit findings, regulatory issues, and control weaknesses. Promote consistency in controls, governance, and risk management practices across regions and businesses. Exercise sound judgment and reinforce a culture of accountability, compliance, and ethical decision-making. Customer Experience & Innovation Deliver a client-centric operating model that balances robust sanctions controls with efficient and predictable client experiences. Champion modernization of sanctions screening, investigations, alert management, and interdiction workflows. Drive innovation in screening effectiveness, data quality, alert optimization, operational intelligence, and workflow management. Partner with CitiService, Sales, Technology and Compliance teams to design and implement next-generation solutions supporting sanctions risk management and operational effectiveness. People Leadership & Talent Development Lead and develop a high-performing global leadership team across sanctions operations. Create a culture focused on accountability, inclusion, continuous improvement, employee engagement, and talent development. Maintain accountability for organizational design, workforce strategy, succession planning, budget management, and performance outcomes. Foster operational excellence and strong risk awareness across all levels of the organization. As a member of the Payments and Sanctions Operations leadership team, contribute to the strategic direction of the broader Services Operations organization. Build strong partnerships across internal stakeholders and external industry, regulatory, and technology partners. Qualifications 15+ years of leadership experience in Sanctions, Financial Crimes, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Compliance Operations, Operational Risk, or related financial services functions. Significant experience leading large-scale global operations organizations within complex financial institutions. Deep knowledge of global sanctions regulations, including OFAC, UN, EU, UK, and other major sanctions regimes. Extensive experience managing sanctions screening, investigations, interdition processing, and financial crime operations. Strong knowledge of sanctions screening technologies, watchlist