Building a risk management team: a comprehensive hiring guide

You’ve heard the saying, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” In the business world, this translates to risk management.

A robust risk management team is crucial for identifying and managing risks that could jeopardize your company’s operations and assets.

This guide aims to provide you with detailed insights into building a risk management team that can effectively handle various aspects of risk, from financial risks to operational risk.

Understanding the importance of risk management

Risk management is vital for a stable and successful business. It helps you see what could go wrong and plan for those situations. This way, you’re not caught off guard when something unexpected happens.

Keeping your business going

When events like a cyber attack or a supplier failure happen, risk management plans help you keep your operations running smoothly. You already have steps in place to tackle these challenges, so they’re less likely to disrupt your business.

Building trust with stakeholders

Investors, clients, and employees feel more confident in your business when they know you’re prepared for risks. This kind of trust can make your business more attractive and competitive.

Staying within the law

Laws and regulations are always changing. Risk management helps you stay updated on these changes, so you don’t end up breaking any laws, which can be costly and damage your reputation.

Sorting out what’s critical

Not all risks are created equal. Some are more critical to your business than others. A good risk management strategy helps you figure out which risks need immediate attention and which ones can wait.

Being proactive, not just reactive

The goal is to be proactive, not reactive. When something goes wrong, you don’t want to waste time figuring out what to do next. With risk management, you already have a plan to fall back on.

Key roles in a risk management team

Assembling a top-notch risk management team is no small feat, but it’s a critical step in safeguarding your organization’s future.

Below, we look into the key roles that make up a risk management team, their responsibilities, and specific tips on what to look for when you’re hiring for these crucial positions.

Chief risk officer (CRO)

The CRO is the linchpin of the enterprise risk management team. They are responsible for crafting the overarching risk management plan and ensuring its effective implementation. Their role extends to coordinating with the management team, audit committee, and other key stakeholders to identify and manage significant risks that could impact the organization. They also oversee the use of risk management tools and ensure that key risk indicators are monitored and acted upon.

Skills:
Look for candidates who are adept at strategic thinking, data analysis, and have excellent communication skills. They should also be proficient in using risk management software.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years in risk management, preferably in a leadership role, would be ideal. Experience in your specific industry can be a significant advantage.

Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field is essential. Certifications like Certified Risk Manager (CRM) or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) can add value.

Risk managers

Risk managers specialize in particular types of risk such as financial or operational. They are the ones who conduct detailed risk assessments and develop risk response strategies. They also play a crucial role in training staff on risk awareness and procedures.

Skills:
Risk managers should have strong analytical skills, be proficient in risk assessment methodologies, and be well-versed in compliance and regulations related to their specialization.

Experience:
At least 5 years of experience in managing the specific type of risk is crucial. Experience in implementing risk management tools and frameworks is also beneficial.

Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is a must. Specialized certifications like Financial Risk Manager (FRM) for financial risks can be a strong plus.

Risk owners

Risk owners are generally heads of departments and are accountable for the risks within their specific business units. They work closely with risk managers to implement the risk management process and ensure that identified risks are adequately managed.

Skills:
Look for strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of their department’s operations, and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in their specific department, along with a track record of effectively managing risks.

Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in their field of expertise is essential, along with any industry-specific certifications.

Project managers

Project managers are responsible for identifying and managing risks during the lifecycle of a project. They work in tandem with the project team to develop risk response plans and ensure that project risks are minimized.

Skills:
Strong organizational skills, proficiency in project management software, and the ability to communicate effectively with the project team are essential.

Experience:
Look for risk project manager candidates with a minimum of 5 years in project management, with a focus on risk management.

Qualifications:
A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly recommended.

General counsel

The general counsel is in charge of managing all legal risks. They ensure that the organization is in compliance with laws and regulations and work on establishing internal controls to mitigate legal risks.

Skills:
Candidates should possess strong legal research skills, be adept at contract negotiation, and have a deep understanding of compliance and regulatory issues.

Experience:
A minimum of 7-10 years in corporate law, preferably with experience in risk management, is essential.

Qualifications:
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a must, along with a license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.

Additional tips for effective hiring

When it comes to building a risk management team, there are some less obvious but incredibly valuable points to consider. These can make a significant difference in how effectively your team manages various aspects of risk, from financial risks to operational ones.

Look for adaptability

Why it’s important:

The landscape of risks is ever-changing. Whether it’s evolving financial risks or new types of operational risk, your risk management team needs to adapt quickly.

Hiring tips:

During interviews, present hypothetical scenarios that involve sudden changes in the business environment. Evaluate how well candidates adapt their risk management process to these new conditions.

Consider emotional intelligence

Why it’s important:

Managing risk often involves difficult decisions that can impact business units and the entire organization. Emotional intelligence is crucial for navigating these complex interpersonal dynamics.

Hiring tips:

Use behavioral interview questions to gauge a candidate’s emotional intelligence. Look for signs of empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to manage stress, as these are key indicators of emotional intelligence.

Value diversity

Why it’s important:

A diverse risk management team brings different perspectives to the table, which is invaluable for identifying potential risks and developing robust business continuity plans.

Hiring tips:

Actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds and industries. This diversity can provide fresh perspectives on risk levels, risk identification, and risk response strategies.

Check for alignment with business objectives

Why it’s important:

The ultimate goal of any risk management plan is to align with the organization’s operations and business objectives. Your risk management team should understand this alignment deeply.

Hiring tips:

Ask candidates to discuss past experiences where they had to align their risk management roles or enterprise risk management team efforts with broader business goals. This can give you insights into how well they’ll help your organization manage risks in line with your objectives.

Assess communication skills

Why it’s important:

Effective communication is crucial for any team, but it’s especially vital for a risk management team. They’ll need to communicate with business units, the management team, and other stakeholders regularly.

Hiring tips:

Look for candidates who can clearly explain complex risk assessments and business continuity plans to people who aren’t experts in risk management. Good communication skills are essential for roles like the chief risk officer, who needs to convey the financial impact of certain risks to the audit committee and other high-level stakeholders.

Get the right team with Right People Group

Struggling to find the perfect fit for your risk management team? Don’t leave it to chance. Right People Group specializes in connecting businesses with top-tier IT and business consultants, including experts in risk management. Let us help you build a team that not only manages risks effectively but also aligns closely with your business objectives.

Contact us today to secure your business’s future.

Conclusion

Building a risk management team is not just about filling roles; it’s about creating a cohesive unit that can work together to protect your company assets and ensure business continuity. By understanding the roles and responsibilities and following these hiring tips, you’ll be well on your way to forming a team that can effectively manage risks at various organizational levels.

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate all risks but to manage them in a way that aligns with your business objectives. So, start building your risk management team today and take a proactive step towards securing your business’s future.