In highly regulated industries such as financial services, pharmaceuticals, energy and aerospace, your calibre of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) professionals directly impacts your ability to navigate increasingly complex risk landscapes.
Highly regulated sectors operate under intense scrutiny, where risk management failures can result in not just financial penalties but also reputational damage and operational setbacks. Against a backdrop of evolving global regulations, cyber threats, ESG pressures and widespread geopolitical instability, ERM teams play a pivotal role in:
- Anticipating and mitigating emerging risks
- Ensuring compliance frameworks align with global standards
- Embedding risk awareness into strategic decision-making
As a result, demand for ERM professionals who can deliver beyond compliance has never been higher.
Five features of stand-out ERM candidates
1. Deep regulatory expertise
Employers are seeking to add professionals to their team who understand not just local regulations, but the broader patchwork of global compliance requirements. Experience with frameworks like Basel III, Solvency II, or FDA/EMA standards can set candidates apart in finance, insurance or life sciences.
2. Cross-functional influence
ERM doesn’t live in isolation. Strong candidates demonstrate the ability to collaborate across legal, compliance, operations, IT and the Board. Those who can translate complex risk concepts into business-friendly language gain a clear edge.
3. Technological literacy
Risk is increasingly data-driven. Candidates with fluency in GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) platforms, data analytics, and emerging technologies (like AI and automation for risk monitoring) stand out as forward-looking hires.
4. Strategic & commercial acumen
Hiring managers value professionals who see risk as an enabler of opportunity. Candidates who can connect ERM frameworks to business strategy – thereby helping organisations balance compliance with growth - bring significant added value.
5. Adaptability & resilience
In highly regulated environments, change is constant. Candidates who can pivot quickly, absorb regulatory updates and foster a culture of resilience across the organisation are in high demand.
Tips for hiring managers
- Look beyond the CV: Assess how candidates influence culture and decision-making, not just their technical expertise.
- Test strategic thinking: Use case studies or scenario-based questions to evaluate how candidates connect ERM to broader business goals.
- Prioritise hybrid skills: Recruit professionals who bring both risk expertise and strong leadership or stakeholder engagement skills.
Tips for candidates
- Showcase global awareness: Highlight projects involving international regulation or cross-border operations.
- Highlight tech proficiency: Demonstrate comfort with data tools or GRC platforms during the interview process.
- Position yourself as a business partner: Frame your ERM experience in terms of enabling innovation, supporting growth, and safeguarding trust.
Ready to hire in Enterprise Risk Management?
At Leonid, we have a dedicated Enterprise Risk Management hiring team who can provide guidance on hiring strategies to help you secure the best talent, quickly and effectively. To find out more about our risk recruitment services, please contact Adam Bond.
