IT Risk Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of technology, the role of IT Risk Managers has never been more crucial.
As technology continues to evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, mitigate, and secure our digital infrastructure becomes increasingly urgent.
But what does the role of an IT Risk Manager really entail?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to comprehend the essence of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the mechanics of IT Risk Management,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we introduce a customizable IT Risk Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
IT Risk Manager Duties and Responsibilities
IT Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact the information technology systems of an organization.
They need to ensure that the organization’s IT systems are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Identify and assess potential IT risks and manage the risk portfolio
- Develop and implement risk management policies and protocols
- Provide expert advice to the organization on IT risk management matters
- Conduct regular IT risk assessments and audits
- Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks and test the effectiveness of these strategies
- Prepare and present risk reports to senior management
- Work closely with IT and business teams to ensure that IT risks are managed effectively
- Keep abreast of industry trends, threats, and vulnerabilities to ensure the organization’s IT systems are adequately protected
- Conduct training and awareness sessions on IT risk management for employees
IT Risk Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are searching for a highly skilled IT Risk Manager to identify, manage and mitigate information technology risks.
In this role, you will be responsible for creating and implementing risk management procedures, conducting risk assessments and audits, and ensuring our IT systems are compliant with industry regulations.
Our ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of IT systems and a sharp eye for identifying potential risks.
The role involves developing risk mitigation strategies, communicating with stakeholders and keeping up-to-date with IT security trends and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
- Identify and assess IT risks and develop risk management strategies.
- Develop and implement IT risk management policies and procedures.
- Perform regular IT risk assessments and audits to ensure operations and data integrity.
- Coordinate with IT and business teams to ensure that risk assessments are completed for all new and existing IT projects.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and corporate policies.
- Coordinate risk management activities across all IT functions.
- Report on risk management issues and propose solutions.
- Ensure disaster recovery and data backup plans are in place and regularly tested.
- Stay informed on IT trends relating to risk management.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as an IT Risk Manager, IT Auditor or similar role.
- Strong knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure.
- Background in designing and implementing enterprise-wide risk management policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of IT audit and risk assessment practices.
- Understanding of IT security vulnerabilities and risk management.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
- BSc degree in Computer Science, IT or relevant field. A Master’s degree or relevant certification (such as CRISC, CISM) will be a plus.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work schedule
Additional Information
- Job Title: IT Risk Manager
- Work Environment: Office-based role with the option for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Director of IT.
- Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary range will be disclosed during the interview process.
- 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 an IT Risk Manager Do?
An IT Risk Manager primarily works within the Information Technology department of an organization across various sectors.
They can also work as consultants, providing their services to multiple firms.
Their chief responsibility is to identify, manage, and mitigate potential technological risks that could impact the organization’s operations, reputation, or profitability.
They accomplish this by conducting comprehensive risk assessments and audits on the organization’s IT systems and infrastructure.
IT Risk Managers work closely with IT professionals and other departmental heads to understand the technological needs of the organization and the risks associated with them.
They develop and implement risk management strategies and procedures, and also ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
They are often involved in training staff on IT risk management principles and best practices, and they also play a key role in incident management, helping to restore normal service operations as quickly as possible following a disruption or failure.
In addition, IT Risk Managers often provide reports to senior management and stakeholders, advising on risk-related issues and the effectiveness of the organization’s risk management strategies.
They continuously monitor the IT environment for emerging risks, ensuring that the organization is always prepared and protected.
IT Risk Manager Qualifications and Skills
An IT Risk Manager is required to have a comprehensive set of skills and qualifications that align with the role, which include:
- Deep understanding of IT systems, networks and related technologies to identify and manage potential risks effectively
- Ability to assess, identify and mitigate risks associated with IT infrastructure, including data protection and cyber security threats
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex data, identify patterns, and develop strategies for risk mitigation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively relay technical information to non-technical stakeholders, and collaborate with various departments
- Project management skills to oversee risk mitigation projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
- Extensive knowledge of compliance standards and regulations related to IT and data security
- Ability to develop and implement IT risk management policies and procedures across the organization
- Problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise in the course of managing IT risks
IT Risk Manager Experience Requirements
IT Risk Managers generally need a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in Information Technology, with a focus on risk management, cybersecurity, or a related field.
Experience with governance, risk and compliance (GRC) systems is highly valuable, as is familiarity with ISO 27001, COBIT, and other IT governance and control frameworks.
Candidates for this role often start their careers in IT support, network administration, or IT project management roles, gaining valuable hands-on experience in managing and mitigating IT risks.
Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often serve in roles such as Risk Analyst or IT Auditor, where they develop their understanding of risk analysis and mitigation strategies.
Candidates with more than 7 years of experience typically have a deeper understanding of IT risk management and have often led projects or teams in this area.
These individuals have extensive experience with risk assessment and mitigation strategies, and may have managed IT risk for large-scale or complex IT systems.
In addition to this work experience, many IT Risk Manager positions require certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
These certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field and commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest strategies and technologies for managing IT risk.
Lastly, IT Risk Managers are often required to have strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with other departments within an organization, as they are responsible for communicating IT risks and mitigation strategies to non-technical stakeholders.
Therefore, experience in roles requiring strong communication and collaboration skills can also be beneficial.
IT Risk Manager Education and Training Requirements
IT Risk Managers generally hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
This role requires a solid understanding of network architecture, computer security, and IT protocols.
They should also have knowledge of various operating systems and databases.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Business Administration, IT, or Risk Management.
This advanced degree often provides a broader understanding of business operations and strategic risk management.
Certifications are highly valued in this field, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
These certifications attest to a candidate’s specialized knowledge and commitment to continuous learning.
Experience in IT, cybersecurity, or a related field is typically required, with several years in a managerial or supervisory role.
IT Risk Managers must also stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in IT security to effectively manage risks and safeguard the organization’s IT infrastructure.
IT Risk Manager Salary Expectations
An IT Risk Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $117,395 (USD) per year.
However, this salary can vary based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, qualifications, and the geographical location of the job.
Additional factors like the size and industry of the employing company can also significantly impact salary expectations.
IT Risk Manager Job Description FAQs
What skills does an IT Risk Manager need?
An IT Risk Manager should have a keen understanding of IT systems and business operations to identify potential risks accurately.
They should be proficient in risk assessment and mitigation techniques and have strong analytical skills to evaluate the severity of risks.
They need good communication skills to explain complex technical issues to non-technical staff and should be able to make informed decisions under pressure.
Do IT Risk Managers need a degree?
Yes, an IT Risk Manager generally requires a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
However, some companies may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Business Administration or Information Systems.
Relevant certifications in risk management or cyber security can also be beneficial.
What should you look for in an IT Risk Manager resume?
An IT Risk Manager’s resume should highlight their experience in IT risk management and their knowledge of IT systems and security.
Certifications such as Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can be advantageous.
Look for evidence of their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and communication skills.
What qualities make a good IT Risk Manager?
A good IT Risk Manager is detail-oriented and has an analytical mindset, enabling them to identify and assess potential risks effectively.
They should be strategic thinkers with excellent problem-solving skills.
Good IT Risk Managers are also strong communicators, capable of explaining complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
They should have a keen understanding of the business and industry, which helps them gauge the potential impact of IT risks on business operations.
What are the daily duties of an IT Risk Manager?
An IT Risk Manager typically starts their day by reviewing the organization’s IT systems and operations for potential risks.
They may also conduct risk assessments, draft risk management strategies, and implement risk mitigation measures.
They often work with IT and business teams to align risk management strategies with business objectives.
Additionally, they may conduct training sessions for staff on risk awareness and prevention.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve demystified the intricate role of an IT Risk Manager.
And guess what?
It’s not just about mitigating risks.
It’s about pioneering digital safety, one risk assessment at a time.
With our carefully curated IT Risk Manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the leap.
But why end here?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to meticulously crafted job listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.
Always remember:
Every risk assessment contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s safeguard the future. Together.
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