Risk manager job description

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What is a Risk Manager?

A risk manager is responsible for the monitoring and mitigation of all risks within a company. They monitor issues within the industry and look for trends that might indicate whether the business is now subject to additional risks that should be addressed. They also examine the current risk profile of a business and work with the management team to mitigate them in a cost-effective manner.

Who Does a Risk Manager Report To?

The position usually reports to the chief financial officer, but may also work closely with many parts of the company, including engineering, human resources, legal and accounting, production, safety and health, and security. Thus, the risk manager position should be considered a mid-level management position.

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What Does a Risk Manager Do?

In general, the risk manager should be thoroughly versed in the industry within which the company operates, as well as the facilities, processes, and products of the company. He or she should also have a detailed knowledge of prior accidents, lawsuits, and claims, and the reasons for those incidents. The risk manager should also be cognizant of risk issues that have impacted other companies in the industry, and explore whether those issues could impact the company at a later date.

In more detail, the job description of the risk manager encompasses the following:

  • Determine the nature of all risks to which the company is subjected, and monitor operations to spot changes in these risks

  • Monitor the probability of loss from all types of risks

  • Ensure that the company is in compliance with all government regulations relating to its insurance coverage

  • Design methods for the mitigation of losses, such as through outsourcing of operations, changes to work instructions, or the procurement of insurance

  • Manage relations with all insurance providers

  • Maintain records relating to all incidents and insurance claims

  • Evaluate new risk management techniques and recommend them to management as appropriate

  • Present the risk profile and risk mitigation plans to the board of directors at regular intervals

A more successful risk manager should be able to estimate the financial impact of certain risks if they come to pass, and convey these projections to senior management. Doing so can have an impact on the amount of funding allocated to risk management activities, and may also convince management to avoid certain strategic alternatives due to their risk profiles.