Who is primarily responsible for developing business continuity strategies?

The responsibility of developing business continuity strategies primarily lies with the functional area manager. This role encompasses a deep understanding of the operations, processes, and risks specific to their area of the organization. Because the functional area manager is closely involved with the day-to-day activities and challenges of their team, they are well-positioned to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop strategies that ensure continuity during disruptions.

In their capacity, these managers can assess the critical functions of their area, determine the resources necessary to maintain those functions during a business interruption, and align continuity plans with the broader organizational goals. This position allows them to effectively collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to create a comprehensive and effective business continuity strategy tailored to the unique needs of their functional area.

While the IT department lead, financial officer, and safety coordinator may contribute valuable insights to the business continuity planning process, their roles do not encompass the holistic oversight required for developing the strategies in each functional area. Therefore, the functional area manager is fundamentally integral to the creation of robust business continuity strategies.