RISK MANAGER

DEFINITION

Under general direction and within the framework of enterprise risk management (ERM) and the Port policies, procedures, objectives and core values, the Risk Manager plans, organizes, leads, supervises and participates in the development, implementation, and administration of the Port risk management program.  This role ensures risk management efforts align with business needs while overseeing insurance coverage, claims oversight, contract review, workplace safety, and emergency management programs. The Risk Manager proactively analyzes, develops, and recommends cost-effective strategies to minimize liability and loss while protecting Port staff and assets; ensures compliance with federal and State safety regulations, manages and coordinates emergency management and business continuity training, and develops related policies and procedures. Facilitates organizational coordination and team work on facility safety and emergency management programs, partnering with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts of all facets of such programs. The Risk Management staff are consultants to the organization, partnering with Port risk owners and stakeholders to provide solution-based information to mitigate risk and loss. Performs related duties as assigned. This is an at-will position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Deputy Port Director, Administration. Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This management classification is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the Port’s risk management programs. The incumbent performs specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, including policy development, budget administration, and regulatory compliance. This position serves as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational activities, regularly interacting with Port management, public agencies, private organizations, regulatory bodies, and the public. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the functions of the job.

Risk Management

• Plans, develops, and administers a comprehensive risk management and loss control program aligned with the Port’s business needs, strategic initiatives, and risk tolerance and appetite based on enterprise risk management (ERM) fundamentals while considering other organizational priorities.
• Designs and implements risk management transfer and mitigation measures, best practices, tools, and techniques, monitors the effectiveness of the implemented technique, while providing staff tools and resources to mitigate risk as a partner and consultant to support business needs.
• Develops and fosters strong stakeholder relationships to support an effective risk management culture.
• Reviews and ensures contracts, agreements, and certificates of insurance align with Port requirements, working with legal counsel and Port business units as necessary. Recommends changes to such Port requirements when necessary.
• Maintains the Port’s Statement of Values and oversees asset valuation processes are conducted based on strategic and budgeted timeframes and schedules.
• Manages third-party damage reimbursement processes and ensures timely resolutions.
• Oversees and coordinates claim handling from initiation to closure, including communications with involved parties and claim resolution recommendations for executive management’s approval, using effective claim management activities.
• Oversees the purchase of insurance policies, manages and participates in the renewal process in collaboration with department heads and the insurance broker to ensure coverage aligns with the Port's evolving needs; reviews possible coverage improvements to ensure adequate protection against loss at the most effective cost to the Port; makes recommendations for insurance coverage, purchase and cost; maintains liaison with insurance broker to negotiate policy terms and limits.
• Stays current on evolving risk management and related reporting best practices.
• Serves as the Port's primary subject matter expert on risk management with a consultant mindset, addressing inquiries, providing guidance, and delivering recommendations to enhance the Port's overall risk posture.
• Represents the Port in small claims court actions as needed.

Facility and Occupational Safety

• Develops and oversees a comprehensive occupational safety program to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and Port policy.
• Participates in U.S. Coast Guard facility inspections and safety/risk assessments of port activities and vessel/tenant/stakeholder cargoes along with internal subject matter experts in Port business units; provides recommendations for new and improved policies and procedures to support port operations while providing a safe environment with mitigated risk.
• Leads root-cause analysis reviews to identify and mitigate safety risks, coordinates with Human Resources staff on employee related safety incidents.

 Emergency Management

• Coordinates the enhancement and administration of the Port’s emergency management and business continuity program in partnership with stakeholders.
• Partners with Port staff and external agencies on emergency response planning and disaster preparedness.

General

• Collaborates with Port staff and legal counsel to address risk, safety, and emergency management challenges.
• Develops risk monitoring and reporting systems to track risk exposures, claims trends, and loss data; uses data to identify emerging risks and trends.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, key performance indicators, policies, and priorities for the department; recommends within department policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the department budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Performs project management responsibilities; develops logical and efficient project plans; establishes priorities; monitors and manages task completion; anticipates and avoids problems; works collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability.
• Develops and manages risk management requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with Port specifications and service quality.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Deputy Port Director, Administration; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials related to areas of responsibilities; supervises and participates in the establishment and maintenance of working and official department files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities; prepares regular and ad-hoc reports for senior management, highlighting critical findings and providing recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Develops and conducts staff training on risk exposure monitoring and reporting protocols.
• Organizes and maintains various administrative, confidential, reference, and follow-up files; purges files as required.
• Represents the Port in meetings with public and private organizations, community groups, and regulatory agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays informed about industry trends and best practices in risk management and safety.
• Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of enterprise risk management (ERM), including but not limited to risk assessment, heat maps identification, and mitigation.
• Federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards and best practices related to risk, safety, and emergency management and case law/court decision research methods applicable to governmental organizations.
• Effective application of qualitative and quantitative performance metrics for all assigned areas of responsibility.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Basics of the US Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
• Basic crisis response procedures, including evacuation plans, communication plans, and coordination with first responders using standard national and California Incident Commands Systems.
• Principles and practices of insurance policies, coverage types, the underwriting process; claims management process, from incident reporting to claim resolution; contract review and indemnification clauses in contracts.
• Root-cause analysis methodologies for incident investigations.
• Port-mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• California’s Disaster Service worker requirements and program; oversees related staff training.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Data privacy laws and best practices for securing sensitive employee data.
• Complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned department.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff effectively in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Risk Management department.
• Prepare and administer budgets and allocate resources effectively; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and policies.
• Conduct investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Analyze complex data, identify trends, and assess risk factors.
• Handle multiple tasks from inception to completion, work under deadlines, with ability to set priorities and be self-motivated, take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment in making decisions and recommendations within general policy guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including legal counsel, insurance brokers, and Port staff.
• Identify and respond to issues, concerns, and requests from employees, stakeholders and vendors, executive team members, regulatory agencies, and others with sensitivity and impartiality.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, effective training and presentations including Board level material, and other written materials.?
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.?
• Direct the establishment and/or maintenance of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.?
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Supervise the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively apply problem solving skills to identify issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, develop appropriate solutions, and take decisive action to resolve disputes and issues.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance staff understanding of risk management processes, including data collection and reporting.
• Adapt to changing regulations, emerging risks, and evolving best practices in risk management.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, Port tariffs and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word and Excel, Outlook and other related applications.