Business Continuity Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital disruption, the role of a Business Continuity Manager has never been more critical.

As businesses evolve and adapt, the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure uninterrupted business operations and protect critical business functions grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Business Continuity Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or just curious about the ins and outs of business continuity management,

You’ve arrived at the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made Business Continuity Manager job description template, created for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Business Continuity Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Business Continuity Managers play a vital role in ensuring that an organization is prepared for any disruption, whether it’s a natural disaster or a cyber attack.

They work to minimize risk and maximize resilience by creating, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures that keep the business running efficiently during challenging times.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing business continuity plans and strategies to ensure business operations can continue in the event of a crisis
• Conducting risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to business operations
• Working with department heads and stakeholders to define critical business functions and determine appropriate recovery strategies
• Establishing and managing recovery teams to respond during a business disruption
• Organizing and leading business continuity exercises and drills to test the effectiveness of plans and identify areas for improvement
• Maintaining awareness of global events and changing circumstances that could impact business operations
• Training staff and management on their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disruption
• Providing regular reports to senior management on the status of business continuity initiatives and potential risks
• Keeping abreast of developments in business continuity standards, regulations, and best practices
• Managing the budget and resources for business continuity activities

 

Business Continuity Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Business Continuity Manager to develop and implement strategies that ensure our company’s operations are maintained during disruptive incidents.

Your responsibilities will include identifying potential threats, creating plans to mitigate them, and leading the response when disruptions occur.

Our ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of business processes and a background in risk management.

The goal is to ensure that our business operations are secure and resilient, minimizing the impact of any disruption on our services and clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement business continuity plans and strategies
• Identify potential threats and create plans to prevent, mitigate, and respond to them
• Conduct risk assessments and business impact analyses
• Train staff in business continuity procedures and practices
• Coordinate and lead response during and after a disruption
• Test and update business continuity plans regularly
• Work with different departments to ensure business continuity strategies align with company objectives
• Prepare reports for management about the effectiveness of the business continuity plan
• Stay informed about the latest developments in business continuity and risk management

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Business Continuity Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of risk management and business continuity standards (ISO 22301, etc.)
• Experience conducting risk assessments and business impact analyses
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Ability to train and guide staff
• BSc/BA in Business Administration or related field; MSc/MA is a plus
• Certification in business continuity (e.g., CBCI, MBCI) is an advantage

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health, vision and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Work-life balance with flexible work arrangements

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Business Continuity Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Risk Officer or similar executive.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and is competitive with the market.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Business Continuity Manager Do?

A Business Continuity Manager is a professional who prepares and plans for an organization’s response to situations that could disrupt its normal operations, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or other potential crises.

They typically work in-house for a corporation, or as part of a consulting firm that services multiple clients.

They work closely with other department heads and the senior leadership team to develop, maintain and implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions.

This includes conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and formulating prevention and mitigation strategies.

Their primary role is to ensure that the organization is prepared for any eventuality, can continue essential functions during a crisis, and can fully recover its operations in the shortest possible time.

This is achieved by developing and implementing a business continuity plan, organizing and leading training and exercises to test the plan, and updating the plan as necessary based on organizational changes or lessons learned from exercises or real events.

They may also be responsible for coordinating the response during a crisis, which includes activating the business continuity plan, communicating with staff and other stakeholders, and liaising with external agencies as required.

Business Continuity Managers provide assurance to the organization and its stakeholders that it can withstand a disruptive event and continue its mission-critical operations, thus protecting its reputation and financial stability.

 

Business Continuity Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Business Continuity Manager should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with the demands of this critical role, including:

• Strategic planning skills to design, implement, and manage effective business continuity plans and procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of business risk management and mitigation strategies to ensure seamless business operations in the event of a disruption.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with different department heads, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and project management skills to effectively lead a team and ensure the execution of business continuity plans.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve issues that may impact business continuity.
• Analytical skills to conduct impact analyses, risk assessments, and business continuity audits.
• Understanding of IT systems and infrastructure, as they often play a crucial role in business continuity.
• Awareness of legal, regulatory and industry standards related to business continuity.

 

Business Continuity Manager Experience Requirements

Business Continuity Managers generally have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in risk management, business continuity planning, disaster recovery, or a related field.

This experience helps them to understand and manage the potential risks and disruptions a business may face.

Initial experience can be gained in roles like Business Continuity Analyst, Risk Management Analyst, or Disaster Recovery Specialist.

These roles provide a solid foundation in understanding risk assessment, continuity planning, and mitigation strategies.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience often have a deep understanding of business continuity principles and standards, crisis management, and incident response.

They are also likely to have experience in project management, policy development, and stakeholder communication.

Those with 10 years or more of experience in the field are generally equipped with substantial leadership skills, having likely managed teams or departments.

They are often prepared for senior roles and are expected to develop, implement and maintain company-wide business continuity plans and procedures.

It is also common for Business Continuity Managers to have professional certifications such as the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP), which demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience in the field.

 

Business Continuity Manager Education and Training Requirements

Business Continuity Managers generally have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, information technology, or a related field.

It is essential for them to have a strong understanding of business processes, crisis management, and risk assessment.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or a related field, especially for more senior roles.

This higher level of education often equips candidates with a more strategic understanding of business continuity, disaster recovery, and risk management.

In addition to formal education, there are several certifications available in the field of business continuity and disaster recovery, such as Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

These certifications demonstrate a professional’s competence and commitment to the field.

Practical experience in risk management, business continuity planning, or a related field is also highly valued, and many Business Continuity Managers have several years of experience in these areas.

Continuous professional development through seminars, workshops, and courses is also recommended to stay current with the latest trends and best practices in business continuity management.

 

Business Continuity Manager Salary Expectations

A Business Continuity Manager earns an average salary of $102,410 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the individual’s experience, level of education, location, and the size of the company they work for.

 

Business Continuity Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Business Continuity Manager need?

A Business Continuity Manager should possess excellent organizational and planning skills, as they will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to maintain business operations in the event of a crisis.

They should have good understanding of risk management, be able to conduct business impact analyses and have the ability to design disaster recovery plans.

Strong leadership and communication skills are also essential for coordinating with various teams and stakeholders.

 

Do Business Continuity Managers need a degree?

Most companies require Business Continuity Managers to have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, or a related field.

However, practical experience in business continuity or crisis management can sometimes be considered in lieu of formal education.

Professional certifications, such as Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP), are usually preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Business Continuity Manager resume?

A good Business Continuity Manager’s resume will highlight their experience in developing and implementing business continuity plans.

Look for candidates who have dealt with actual crises and managed to keep business operations running smoothly.

Certifications in business continuity or risk management are a plus.

Evidence of strong leadership and excellent communication skills are also key factors to consider.

 

What qualities make a good Business Continuity Manager?

A good Business Continuity Manager is proactive, analytical, and detail-oriented.

They should have the ability to foresee potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

They need strong leadership skills to guide and direct teams during times of crisis, and excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with stakeholders.

Good Business Continuity Managers are also able to stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions quickly.

 

What are the daily duties of a Business Continuity Manager?

A typical day for a Business Continuity Manager might involve assessing potential risks to the business, developing and testing business continuity plans, and coordinating with various departments to ensure readiness in the event of a crisis.

They may also be responsible for training staff on emergency procedures, maintaining documentation of continuity plans, and regularly reviewing and updating these plans as needed.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve dissected the true essence of being a Business Continuity Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about risk management.

It’s about safeguarding a company’s future, one policy at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Business Continuity Manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next leap.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every policy you shape is a part of a resilient business blueprint.

Let’s build that secure future. Together.

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