Business Continuity Manager: Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Thinking about a career as a Business Continuity Manager (BCM)? It’s a critical role ensuring an organization can weather any storm – from natural disasters to cyberattacks. But is it the right fit for you? This isn’t a fluffy overview; this is a real-world look at the advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision.

This article will equip you with a clear understanding of the BCM landscape. You’ll be able to assess if your skills and aspirations align with the demands of the job.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Assess your strengths and weaknesses against the core BCM competencies using a detailed scorecard.
• Identify the hidden stressors and rewards of the role, enabling you to anticipate challenges and maximize job satisfaction.
• Craft a compelling “Why BCM?” narrative for interviews, addressing potential concerns about the role’s intensity.
• Prioritize your skill development based on the most impactful areas for BCM success, focusing on risk analysis, planning, and communication.
• Evaluate the long-term career trajectory of a BCM, deciding if the potential for growth aligns with your ambitions.
• Recognize and avoid common pitfalls that lead to BCM burnout, implementing strategies for sustainable performance.
• Develop a personal “Stress Resilience Plan” incorporating 10+ proactive measures to maintain well-being under pressure.
• Compare BCM to other related roles and decide if the focus of BCM aligns with your focus.

What This Is and What This Isn’t

• This is: A realistic look at the day-to-day realities of being a Business Continuity Manager, the good, the bad, and the stressful.
• This is: A guide to understanding if your personality and skills are suited for a BCM role.
• This isn’t: A motivational speech about how fulfilling a BCM career can be.
• This isn’t: A technical manual on building business continuity plans.

The Core Mission of a Business Continuity Manager

A Business Continuity Manager exists to minimize the impact of disruptive events on business operations for stakeholders while controlling risk and ensuring rapid recovery. They’re the architects of resilience.

What a Hiring Manager Scans for in 15 Seconds

Hiring managers quickly assess whether you understand the practical demands of a BCM role. They look for specific signals that indicate you can handle pressure, manage complex projects, and communicate effectively under stress.

• Experience with risk assessments: Shows you can identify potential threats.
• Development of business continuity plans: Demonstrates your ability to create actionable strategies.
• Experience with disaster recovery: Shows you know how to get back on track.
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate with stakeholders during a crisis.
• Project management experience: Manages a complex project from start to finish.
• Knowledge of industry standards: Understands what it takes to be compliant.

Pros: The Rewards of Being a Business Continuity Manager

Being a BCM offers unique professional and personal rewards. It’s a role that combines strategic thinking with practical execution, providing a sense of accomplishment when your plans are put to the test.

Critical Role in Organizational Stability

BCMs are essential for ensuring an organization’s survival during crises. They are the people who put the plans into action that protect assets, revenue, and reputation.

Intellectual Stimulation

The BCM role requires constant learning and adaptation. BCMs must stay up-to-date on emerging threats, new technologies, and evolving regulatory requirements.

High Level of Responsibility

BCMs are entrusted with significant responsibility. They are responsible for developing and maintaining plans that can impact every part of the organization.

Opportunity for Impact

BCMs have a direct and measurable impact on the organization’s success. When a crisis strikes, the effectiveness of the BCM’s plans can be the difference between survival and failure.

Example: During a ransomware attack at a manufacturing firm, the BCM’s well-documented recovery procedures allowed the company to restore operations within 48 hours, minimizing financial losses and reputational damage.

Strong Career Prospects

The demand for BCMs is growing as organizations face increasing threats. This creates strong career prospects and opportunities for advancement.

Cons: The Challenges of Being a Business Continuity Manager

The BCM role also presents significant challenges and potential drawbacks. It’s important to be aware of these before committing to this career path.

High-Stress Environment

BCMs often work in high-stress environments, particularly during crises. They must remain calm and focused under pressure, making critical decisions quickly.

Long Hours and On-Call Responsibilities

BCMs may be required to work long hours and be on-call 24/7. Crises don’t adhere to regular business hours, so BCMs must be prepared to respond at any time.

Constant Vigilance

BCMs must maintain constant vigilance. They are responsible for identifying potential threats and ensuring that plans are up-to-date and effective.

Resistance to Planning

Some stakeholders may resist business continuity planning, viewing it as an unnecessary expense. BCMs must be able to effectively communicate the importance of planning and gain buy-in from key stakeholders. This is especially true in smaller businesses.

The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates

Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the financial implications of business continuity is a common mistake. BCMs need to speak the language of business and show how their work protects revenue, reduces costs, and improves profitability. This is especially true in today’s economic climate.

Use this line in an interview to prove you understand the financial implications of BCM:

“In my previous role, I quantified the potential financial impact of a major disruption by analyzing revenue streams, operational costs, and potential fines for non-compliance. This analysis helped us prioritize our BCM efforts and justify the investment in critical infrastructure.”

The BCM Stress Resilience Plan

To thrive as a BCM, you need a proactive plan to manage stress and prevent burnout. This plan should incorporate both professional and personal strategies.

1. Set clear boundaries: Define your working hours and stick to them as much as possible.
2. Delegate tasks: Don’t try to do everything yourself.
3. Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most important tasks first.
4. Take regular breaks: Step away from your desk and take a few minutes to relax.
5. Exercise regularly: Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress.
6. Eat a healthy diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods.
7. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
8. Connect with others: Spend time with family and friends.
9. Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment.
10. Seek professional help: Don’t be afraid to seek help from a therapist or counselor.

Career Trajectory

The BCM career path can lead to various leadership roles. Senior BCMs may become Directors of Risk Management, Chief Security Officers, or even executive-level positions.

Contrarian Truth: Planning is Never Done

Most people think of business continuity as a project. The reality is that business continuity is never done. The business environment is constantly changing and so must the plan. The best BCMs are always looking for ways to improve the plan.

FAQ

What skills are most important for a Business Continuity Manager?

The most important skills for a BCM include risk assessment, business impact analysis, plan development, communication, project management, and problem-solving. BCMs must be able to identify potential threats, assess their impact on the organization, develop plans to mitigate those threats, and communicate those plans effectively to stakeholders.

What is the difference between business continuity and disaster recovery?

Business continuity is the overarching strategy for ensuring that an organization can continue operating during a disruption. Disaster recovery is a subset of business continuity that focuses on restoring IT infrastructure and data after a disaster. The BCM is responsible for both.

How do I get started in business continuity management?

To get started in BCM, consider obtaining a relevant certification, such as the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or the Certified Resilience Professional (CRP). Seek out entry-level positions in risk management, IT, or operations, and network with experienced BCMs to learn from their expertise.

What are the common challenges faced by Business Continuity Managers?

Common challenges include gaining buy-in from stakeholders, securing adequate funding for BCM initiatives, maintaining up-to-date plans, and testing those plans regularly. BCMs must also be able to adapt to changing business needs and emerging threats.

How can I improve my communication skills as a Business Continuity Manager?

To improve your communication skills, practice active listening, tailor your message to your audience, and use clear and concise language. Develop strong presentation skills and be prepared to communicate complex information in a way that is easy for others to understand. A BCM must be able to communicate to different audiences.

Is a Business Continuity Manager a stressful job?

Yes, the BCM role can be stressful, particularly during crises. BCMs must be able to remain calm and focused under pressure, making critical decisions quickly. However, the job can also be rewarding, knowing that your work is essential for protecting the organization.

What is the typical salary range for a Business Continuity Manager?

The salary range for a BCM varies depending on experience, education, location, and industry. However, BCMs typically earn a competitive salary, reflecting the importance of their role. According to salary surveys, the median salary for a BCM in the United States is $110,000.

What is the career path for a Business Continuity Manager?

The career path for a BCM can lead to various leadership roles, such as Director of Risk Management, Chief Security Officer, or even executive-level positions. Senior BCMs may also become consultants or entrepreneurs, offering their expertise to other organizations.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for a Business Continuity Manager?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for a BCM include the number of disruptions experienced by the organization, the time it takes to recover from those disruptions, the cost of those disruptions, and the level of stakeholder satisfaction with BCM initiatives. A BCM must keep their eye on these KPIs.

What is the role of technology in business continuity management?

Technology plays a critical role in BCM, enabling organizations to automate tasks, improve communication, and enhance resilience. BCMs use various technologies, such as cloud computing, data backup and recovery solutions, and emergency notification systems, to ensure that they can continue operating during a disruption. A BCM must stay up-to-date on technology.

What are the legal and regulatory requirements for business continuity management?

Legal and regulatory requirements for BCM vary depending on the industry and location. However, many organizations are required to comply with standards such as ISO 22301, which specifies the requirements for a business continuity management system. A BCM must be aware of the legal and regulatory requirements.

What are the ethical considerations for business continuity management?

Ethical considerations for BCM include ensuring that plans are fair and equitable to all stakeholders, protecting sensitive data, and communicating honestly and transparently during a crisis. BCMs must also be aware of their responsibilities to the community and the environment.

---

More Business Continuity Manager resources

Browse more posts and templates for Business Continuity Manager: Business Continuity Manager