Fractional Chief Risk Officer - Operations (Advisory Network)

About Arootah

Arootah is a talent solutions firm purpose-built for the alternative investment industry. We advise and we execute, covering the full talent spectrum from entry to exit across five services: Talent Acquisition, Fractional Leadership, Talent Development, Retention & Compensation, and Transition. 

Most talent firms solve one problem. Because we cover the full spectrum, we can help clients identify and solve the right one. We start with diagnosis, then deliver. 

Our team has run alternative investment firms at the highest levels as COOs, CFOs, and CCOs. That operator experience, combined with 15+ years of alternatives-specific recruiting and a network of 700+ vetted advisors across 18 functional disciplines, is what makes the advice credible and the execution reliable. We also draw on a network of 600+ coaches, deploying those with specific experience guiding senior executives in the alternatives industry. 

One industry. One talent partner. Entry to exit. 

Learn more: https://arootah.com/ 

Who We’re Looking For

Arootah is searching for experienced Chief Risk Officers, Operations to consult to our highly prestigious client base.  As a consultant, you will work with our Hedge Fund and Family Office clients to provide expert advice. Having previously served in this role, you have specific, hands-on experience building, maintaining and overseeing the risk management efforts specifically focused on the daily operations and business activities of a leading Hedge Fund or Family Office.  

Core Areas of Expertise

• Best practice reviews.   

• Developing realistic and effective action plans.  

• Breaking apart goals into actionable steps.   

• Advising on vendor selection and oversight.    

• Creating and implementing policies, procedures, and control measures.   

• Evaluating each client’s advancement toward goal actualization through key performance indicators (KPIs) and scoring matrices.   

• Special projects or other areas of need.    

• Establish, implement, and oversee the Operational Risk Management activities of a Hedge Fund or Family Office including reporting Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), Third-Party Risk Assessments, conducting Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs).   

• Implement and manage control testing, and development of action plans with tracking of follow-up items, working alongside Department Heads to put preventative measures in place and to ensure policy and procedure documentation is produced and maintained on an ongoing basis.  

• Develop and produce risk management reports, monitoring assigned department’s risk profile and work with Founder/Principal to identify, design, document and implement appropriate controls and process maps, as required.  

• Work in conjunction with Compliance, Legal and other departments to research, analyze and provide guidance to management teams on assorted matters such as regulatory and industry operational developments, pending legislative activities, and related matters.  

• Analyze Access Management status, cybersecurity, and other IT risks and report to centralized technology teams to implement strategies to mitigate risk.    

• Implement and design regular audits and examinations of assigned departments in an effort to develop a full risk matrix to proactively identify areas that need to be addressed and monitored.  

• Review and manage the oversight of a Policies and Procedures manual as well as Quality Control and Assurance Committees to ensure that all business units continuously update their operating procedures for changing business conditions, new regulations and changing legislation to ensure consistent adherence with best practices.    

• Devise and implement a firm-wide program for the management and oversight of vendor due diligence, third-party service providers, and other operating partners.    

• Conduct a thorough review of all incidents, analyzing risk metrics and performance data gathered from internal sources and create measures to protect the firm by means of designing or revising workflow processes, updating policies and procedures, adding system enhancements, etc.  

• Serve as risk management advisor in development of new or modified products and new operational processes and procedures across all business areas of the firm.    

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a quantitative discipline such as Finance, Operations, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, or a related field with a strong academic record.  

• MBA, similar advanced degree, Financial Risk Manager (FRM), or similar professional designation is a plus.     

• 8+ years of relevant experience at a Hedge Fund, Family Office, or Investment Management firm serving in the role of Chief Risk Officer, Operations.    

• Additional experience of between 3-5 years of working in Risk Management, Operations, Compliance or similar business function at an Asset Management firm, Hedge Fund, or Family Office.     

• Extensive knowledge of the investment management industry, including Technology and Compliance with a strong understanding of financial institution regulatory requirements, especially as related to SEC rules and regulations.    

• Ability to interact effectively with all firm personnel; strong analytical skills; strong project management and organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills.  

• Strong working knowledge of different investment vehicles, investment types, exchange rules and regulations, and settlement procedures.    

• Ability to analyze complex situations and provide guidance, make recommendations, and/or escalate the issues appropriately.