Business Continuity Specialist/Manager

Job Purpose

The Business Continuity Specialist/Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the organization’s Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework to ensure operational resilience. This role involves risk assessment, business impact analysis, contingency planning, and crisis management to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of critical business functions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Continuity Planning & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework in line with industry best practices (e.g., ISO 22301, SAMA, NCA regulations).
• Conduct Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to identify critical business functions, dependencies, and recovery time objectives (RTOs).
• Design and update Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs), and Crisis Management Plans.
• Ensure alignment of BCM strategy with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.

2. Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Identify potential threats (e.g., cyberattacks, operational failures, natural disasters) and assess their impact on business operations.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and ensure controls are in place to minimize disruptions.
• Conduct regular testing (e.g., tabletop exercises, simulations) to evaluate the effectiveness of BCPs and DRPs.

3. Crisis & Incident Management

• Act as a key point of contact during business disruptions and lead crisis management efforts.
• Coordinate with internal teams (IT, Security, Operations) and external stakeholders (vendors, regulators) to ensure timely response and recovery.
• Provide training and awareness programs to employees on BCM policies and procedures.

4. Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with local regulations (SAMA, NCA) and international standards (ISO 22301).
• Prepare and submit BCM reports to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Conduct periodic audits and reviews to ensure continuous improvement of BCM processes.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with IT, Risk Management, Internal Audit, and other departments to integrate BCM into enterprise risk management.
• Liaise with external partners (vendors, government agencies) to enhance resilience strategies.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, IT, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional), ISO 22301 Lead Implementer, or DRCS (Disaster Recovery Certified Specialist) are preferred.

Experience:

• Manager Level: 5-10 years of experience, in banking/financial services in Saudi Arabia.
• Strong knowledge of SAMA, NCA, and other Saudi regulatory requirements.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in BCM tools and software.
• Ability to work under pressure during crisis situations