Head of Risk Management

We are a leading global investment firm and aim to help endowments & foundations, pension plans, and high net worth private clients implement and manage custom investment portfolios that generate outperformance and enable them to maximize their impact on the world. Working alongside its early clients, Cambridge Associates pioneered the strategy of high-equity orientation and broad diversification, which since its inception in the s has been a primary driver of performance for institutional investors. Today, we deliver a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, investment staff extension, and asset class mandates. Cambridge Associates maintains offices in major financial centers across the globe, with headquarters in Boston, MA.

Working with some of the world’s most sophisticated institutional investors, we bring a deep knowledge of portfolio management best practices to the clients we serve and select our colleagues with great attention to their potential to become a valuable member of a collaborative, intelligent and hard-working team.

Position Overview

As our international business is growing, we are seeking a Head of Risk Management to lead our risk management activities at our Swiss subsidiary Cambridge Associates AG (CA AG). The successful candidate will work with our Enterprise Risk Management, Investment Strategy Office and regional risk management teams to monitor the risks at a corporate and at a portfolio level and promote a culture of risk awareness.

Working at our Zurich office, this individual will be part of a global network of professionals, contributing to critical decision-making processes that shape our organization's risk management programs. The Head of Risk Management will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Swiss regulations, including, but not limited to, FINMA, FIDLEG, KAG / KKV. This role involves managing and maintaining all different components of risk management programs such as : Policies and procedures, controls, trainings, audits, regulatory monitoring, project work at entity, and group level, provide risk insight and measurements to support strategy, governance, and operations. This role will be pivotal in enhancing our risk management capabilities, ensuring that we meet regulatory and business requirements and maintain our reputation for excellence in the investment industry.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop Risk Strategy and Risk Management Framework :
• Develop, implement, and maintain a risk strategy for CA AG in accordance with regulatory requirements and in alignment with the CA group
• Implement and manage a risk management framework with relevant policies and procedures that include IT-, cybersecurity and third-party vendor risk
• Develop and Manage Risk Management Program :
• Structure, lead and execute risk identification and assessment for CA AG in collaboration with ERM (market, operational, reputational, etc.)
• Monitor and manage relevant risks in alignment with ERM methodologies
• Develop and implement risk appetite, relevant metrics (KRIs) and thresholds for CA AG
• Implement and execute monitoring processes
• Provide guidance and training to the business on enterprise risk requirements
• Collaborate with Compliance, Internal Audit and Error Reporting functions to mature the risk culture at CA and to identify and mitigate risks to our clients and our firm
• Strategic Responsibility :
• Overall responsibility for the investment risk management approach in alignment with the Investment Strategy Office of the CA group
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve risk analysis and control processes
• Investment Risk Management and Compliance :
• Monitoring adherence to internal guidelines and client investment guidelines
• Establish and enforce risk limits in line with the firm’s risk appetite and investment guidelines
• Apply appropriate risk metrics, including Value at Risk (VaR), tracking error, and concentration risks and statistical methods for risk assessment in client portfolios
• Collaborate with portfolio managers to implement risk mitigation strategies, such as diversification, hedging, and asset allocation adjustments
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (FINMA, FIDLEG, KAG / KKV)
• Implementation and control of internal policies, directives and internal control systems (IKS)
• Review and approve new investment products and strategies from a risk perspective
• Control Processes :
• Execution of pre- and post-trade investment controls in collaboration with relevant CA group teams
• Regular review of portfolio holdings at defined frequency
• Conducting stress tests and risk analyses required by regulations

3. Governance and Reporting

• Membership in relevant risk committees with approval authority for investment frameworks and guidelines
• Preparation of quarterly risk reports for executive management, board of directors and relevant bodies at CA group level
• Independent direct reporting line to the board of directors on escalation-relevant topics
• Participation in the annual regulatory audit in the risk area

Qualification, Skill and Competencies

• Regulatory Requirements :
• FINMA-registered position with corresponding candidate profile review
• Location and Language Skills :
• Based in Switzerland
• Excellent German and English language skills
• Professional Experience :
• Solid experience in investment risk management, portfolio analysis, or a related field particularly in the areas of alternative investments and asset management in Switzerland
• Education and Certifications :
• Solid educational background : Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field
• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) or professional certifications (CFA, FRM, PRM) preferred
• Technical Skills :
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in risk modeling and statistical analysis
• Expertise in risk management tools and software (e.g., Bloomberg, MSCI RiskMetrics), programming skills, especially in R (and / or Python), for working with internal systems
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex risk concepts to non-technical audiences
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate and address potential risks
• Collaboration and teamwork to work effectively across departments
• Ethical judgment and integrity in handling sensitive financial information
• Adaptability to respond to dynamic market conditions and regulatory changes

Summary

The Head of Risk Management position requires an experienced leader with a deep understanding of risk management, regulatory requirements, and investment processes. In addition to strategic and operational capabilities, technical expertise and strong governance responsibilities are essential. The role offers direct influence on the company's risk strategy and control, requiring close collaboration with executive management and the board of directors.