Job Description

The role

The Head of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) plays a critical role in developing, implementing, and overseeing the enterprise-wide risk management program for Clifford Chance. This role is responsible for working closely with the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer (CR&CO) in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that may impact the organization's financial stability, reputation, operational and strategic objectives.

The Head of ERM will collaborate with senior leadership and heads of regions and functions to ensure that risk management strategies align with the company's overall strategy and objectives. The Head of ERM is a newly created senior leadership position that plays a vital role in the success of the firm.

The head of ERM will have responsibility for developing Enterprise Risk Management tools, practices, and policies to analyse and report enterprise risks, and to manage risks according to an enterprise risk management framework. The role holder will be expected to establish the Enterprise Risk Management architecture for the firm as well as oversee and monitor operational risk management activities. 

You will be experienced in engaging with senior business leaders by monitoring and analysing risks and reporting these risks as well as providing key input to ensure alignment with the firm's objectives.

This role will work closely with members of the Risk and Compliance team from around the firm's global network as well as managing a team in Delhi.

Key Responsibilities

ERM Framework

You will implement a robust, structured, and explicit risk management practices anchored around a central established ERM framework across the firm at a global, regional and function level. You will embed existing, new and/or updated ERM principles and capabilities across the company with the aim to build up “a culture of risk” and embed risk management awareness and consistent practices. You will carry out the annual review of the ERM Framework ensuring it is kept up to date. You will be expected to advise the CR&CO on changes and enhancements to be made to the Framework to ensure it remains market-leading and aligned to the firm's overall strategy and objectives.

Risk Assessment and Identification:

You will be expected to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of potential risks, both internal and external, that could impact the firm. You will be key in developing, implementing, and evolving the Enterprise Risk Management Framework including effective governance, independence, culture, risk identification and control. You will be responsible for the design, implementation and ongoing evolution of the firm's Enterprise Risk Management, Risk Appetite and Operational Risk Management Frameworks.  You will identify, assess, and monitor enterprise risks, including strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks. Regularly assess and analyse emerging risks and evaluate their potential impact on the firm and its operations. Support the CR&CO in leading risk assessment and scenario analysis exercises to identify potential risks and their impact.

Risk Assessment and Analysis:

You will be responsible for reviewing and assisting in identifying possible business and prioritizing those risks across the firm. You will play a key role in collaborating with regional and function heads and risk owners to assess specific risks within their areas of responsibility.

Risk Mitigation and Control:

You will develop and implement risk management strategies and policies to mitigate identified risks. You will be expected to collaborate with regional and function heads and risk owners to ensure that risk mitigation plans are effectively executed. You will be responsible for reviewing and providing independent challenge on operational risks and associated risk mitigation action plans.

Risk Reporting and Communication:

You will prepare regular risk reports for the CR&CO, the firm's Executive Leadership Group, Audit and Risk Committee and Executive Risk Committee highlighting key risk indicators, ongoing risk management efforts, and recommendations for improvement. You will work with Heads of functions, Regional Management and the firm's leadership team to capture the risks in their area and put in place processes to track and reporting on risk mitigation.  You will provide analysis and expertise on risk issues by presenting data and information in a meaningful format to be actioned and to support decision making. You will prepare, review, and ensure all reports are delivered in a timely fashion and in accordance with the firm's guidelines.

Qualifications

Your experience

Extensive expertise and knowledge of direct risk management and leadership experience in Enterprise Risk Management and Operational Risk Management areas. Thorough understanding of risk assessment best practices, concepts, practices, and tools. Exceptional analytical, problem solving and presentation/report writing skills, combined with a good understanding of business dynamics and commercial value drivers. Exceptional project delivery approaches to effectively lead risk management initiatives. Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills; ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Intellectual mobility and inquisitiveness; Comfortable developing answers/solutions when requirements remain unclear or change. Experience in effectively championing risk governance across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Previous experience managing a risk program or framework and liaising with regulators. Strong knowledge with Governance, Risk and Compliance and other Controls frameworks. You will have a deep understanding of the technical discipline of implementing an ERM Framework and a good understanding of the legal industry and the unique risks that it faces. Familiarity with insurance and contract management is advantageous.

Leadership and Management

Exceptional capability for managing and leading people with the ability to lead, manage and motivate teams. Ability to work effectively and lead teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to change. Coach, mentor, and train staff, as well as other team members.

Qualifications and Knowledge

Bachelor's degree (BSc/MSc, MBA or equivalent) with specialization in business, risk management or finance. Relevant certification in Risk Management or related field (CFA, FRM) is preferred.

Company Description

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Additional Information

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture .