Senior Vice President, Head of Risk Management

The Senior Vice President, Head of Risk Management of Focus Financial Partners is responsible for establishing, implementing and leading Focus’ risk management strategy and function.

Reporting to the General Counsel, this critical role plays a key part in supporting Focus’ success by ensuring connectivity between strategy, risk and resilience. The Head of Risk Management will advance the company’s risk posture by constructing and leading an integrated, enterprise-wide program that works closely with first-line business units, the Legal and Compliance department and senior management. The program will identify, prioritize and mitigate areas of risk across the enterprise, with an initial focus on operational and technological risks, as the company executes its strategic plan. The Head of Risk Management will leverage foundational assessments recently completed with a Big Four consulting firm, and this position offers a unique opportunity to build a risk program in the context of a fast-growing private company sponsored by two leading private-equity firms. Candidates must have a demonstrated record of successfully designing, implementing and scaling a risk program in the financial services industry.

Primary Responsibilities

• Risk Management Strategy and Leadership: Provide strategic guidance and leadership in developing and implementing an enterprise-wide risk management strategy aligned with the company’s strategic evolution and objectives. Advise executive leadership and the board of managers on key risk exposures and mitigation strategies.

• Risk Assessment: Identify, assess, and prioritize risks across all areas of the enterprise, including operational, technological, strategic and regulatory risks. Maintain a proactive approach to emerging risks and industry trends that may impact the company and proactively adapt the risk management strategy accordingly.
• Risk Monitoring, Governance and Reporting: Develop and implement processes for ongoing risk monitoring and governance, including key risk indicators and risk oversight committees, and provide regular reports to senior management and the board of managers. Maintain and continuously enhance internal risk policies, controls and procedures to align with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Insurance Program: Manage and administer the company’s third-party insurance program, working closely with insurance brokers, carriers and attorneys supporting the company’s litigation and regulatory portfolio, as well as colleagues in the Finance department.
• Team-Building: Recruit and develop one or more risk analysts to support the development and maturation of the risk program.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and improve risk management processes, policies and procedures to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other senior executives, including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Data & AI Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel, to ensure a pragmatic and coordinated approach to risk management.
• Risk Culture: Foster a strong risk-aware culture throughout the enterprise by promoting awareness, training and accountability at all levels.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in risk management in the financial services industry
• Proven track record of designing, implementing and scaling a risk program
• Strong experience in operational and technological risk; experience in internal audit functions or information technology controls is a plus
• Familiarity with general regulatory framework and expectations applicable to RIAs, including SEC and state securities regulations
• Core competencies include: technical skills and expertise as a risk manager; strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives; ability to drive strategic innovation and transformation; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to influence and collaborate effectively across key stakeholders; excellent communication and “board-level” presentation skills; aptitude for data analytics; and ability to foster a strong risk-aware culture across all levels of the organization
• Key intangibles include: enthusiasm for the opportunities and challenges of building a risk program; bias for action and a fast-paced environment; commercial mindset; leadership confidence; and high standards and accountability
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field
• Ideal for growth-oriented candidate in senior risk management position looking to transition to leadership role

The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $275,000 and $350,000. Actual base pay could vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus, a comprehensive benefits package and eligibility for incentive equity.

Focus is a leading partnership of fiduciary wealth management and related financial services firms. Focus provides access to best practices, greater resources, and continuity planning for its affiliated advisory firms, which serve individuals, families, employers, and institutions with comprehensive financial services. Focus firms and their clients benefit from the solutions, synergies, scale, economics, and best practices offered by Focus to achieve their business objectives. For more information about Focus, please visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here

For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST.  AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100. 

For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.  An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.

For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation.  The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.