Senior Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Specialist

Senior Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Specialist

Job Summary:

We are looking for a seasoned Senior Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Specialist with over 8 years of experience to develop, implement, and maintain robust business continuity and disaster recovery strategies. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying potential risks, performing comprehensive risk assessments, and designing contingency plans to ensure the organization's ability to recover swiftly from disruptions. This role requires a strong background in business continuity planning, risk assessment methodologies, and disaster recovery processes, along with exceptional organizational and analytical skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning:

• Develop, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR) plans.
• Identify critical business functions and define Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Design and implement strategies to minimize downtime and data loss during disruptions or disasters.

2. Risk Assessment and Analysis:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats to business operations.
• Evaluate the impact of various disaster scenarios, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, and operational failures.
• Recommend risk mitigation measures and prioritize action plans based on organizational needs.

3. Testing and Training:

• Develop and execute BC/DR testing exercises to ensure readiness and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide training and awareness programs to employees on their roles and responsibilities during disruptions.
• Conduct post-exercise evaluations and update plans based on findings and feedback.

4. Incident Management and Response:

• Act as a key leader in the event of business disruptions, coordinating recovery efforts and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.
• Monitor incidents and ensure timely escalation and resolution of business continuity and disaster recovery issues.
• Maintain a clear chain of command and communication during emergencies.

5. Policy Development and Compliance:

• Develop and enforce business continuity and disaster recovery policies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 22301, NIST, or other relevant frameworks).
• Ensure BC/DR plans align with organizational goals, security policies, and legal obligations.
• Collaborate with audit teams to address findings and improve BC/DR processes.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with IT, security, operations, and other departments to integrate BC/DR plans with existing systems and processes.
• Build strong relationships with external vendors and partners to ensure reliable support during emergencies.
• Communicate regularly with leadership to provide updates on BC/DR readiness and improvements.

Qualifications and Skills:

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Risk Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in business continuity, disaster recovery, risk assessment, or related roles.
• Deep knowledge of BC/DR frameworks, methodologies, and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess risks and design effective recovery plans.
• Hands-on experience with BC/DR software tools and technologies.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams during crises.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards such as ISO 22301, NIST, or FFIEC guidelines.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Risk Management, Business Continuity, or a related field.
• Certifications such as CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional), MBCI (Member of the Business Continuity Institute), or CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control).
• Experience with cloud-based disaster recovery and IT resilience strategies.
• Background in cybersecurity and its integration with business continuity.