Senior Manager, Risk Governance and PMO

Manages Panda Restaurant Group's incident management, crisis management, and business continuity programs. Serves as the central coordination point for operational, legal, regulatory, safety, technology, and reputational events by facilitating cross-functional response, supporting executive decision-making, and ensuring timely escalation. Develops governance processes, response plans, and resilience strategies that protect Panda's associates, guests, operations, and brand. Manages Risk Analyst(s) in support of the PMO function.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Panda’s intake and PMO coordination lead for significant issues, incidents, crises, and business continuity events. Assesses severity, identifies appropriate stakeholders, and routes matters through established governance and escalation protocols.
• Acts as the primary liaison among internal functions and external business partners during significant events, coordinating communication and integrating critical third-party continuity and emergency response plans into Panda’s resilience program.
• Coordinates cross-functional response efforts involving Operations, Legal, Communications, HR, FSQA, Supply Chain, Asset Protection, Information Systems, Facilities, Finance, and other stakeholders. Facilitates meetings, assigns actions, tracks progress, and monitors issues through resolution.
• Develops, maintains, and tests Panda's incident management, crisis management, and business continuity programs, including governance frameworks, response plans, playbooks, escalation procedures, and tabletop exercises.
• Monitors emerging operational, regulatory, legal, technology, security, and reputational risks. Prepares executive situation reports, leadership briefings, and recommends escalation when established thresholds are met. Proactively identifies opportunities to reduce or eliminate risk during developing events.
• Coordinates timely de-escalation strategies and practical solutions to contain exposure and minimize operational, legal, social media, and reputational impact.
• Leads continuous improvement of Panda's governance, resilience, and incident management programs through benchmarking, policy development, technology implementation, training, and lessons learned.
• Provides project management support (8%) for enterprise Risk Management initiatives and strategic cross-functional projects. Coordinates implementation, tracks milestones, maintains documentation, and facilitates stakeholder communication.
• Applies a strong understanding of business processes, decision rights, workflows, and team dynamics to coordinate effective cross-functional responses. Establishes clear roles, priorities, communication channels, and accountability to enable timely decisions during crisis and other time-sensitive situations.
• Manages Risk Analyst(s) supporting the PMO function, developing and coaching associate(s) to elevate their performance in support of the company’s growth goals. Works with Risk leadership to attract and retain associates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, Risk Management or Business Administration focus preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in enterprise risk management, crisis management, business continuity, governance, compliance, operational risk, emergency management, project/program management, or related fields, including experience leading cross-functional teams, programs, or major initiatives.
• Restaurant/Hospitality operations experience preferred.
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is required.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships
• Income protection including Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave

Benefits available for eligible permanent full-time associates.

Pay

M3: $127,000 - $178,000 / Annual. Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.