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Programme Risk Lead - Defence

Mace
Construction
Construction
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Description

Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Programme Risk Lead to join our Defence team in London. This strategic leadership role involves leading the provision of risk management services across a major and complex defence programme, while building trusted client relationships. As the Risk Management Subject Matter Expert, you will drive best-in-class risk management practices, influence key stakeholders, and help shape the successful delivery of one of the UK's most important and high-profile defence projects. Due to the nature of our Defence programmes, Security Clearance (SC) is essential, or candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain SC clearance.

You will be responsible for leading the delivery of risk management services across major commissions and programmes, acting as the senior risk management expert for clients and project teams, and developing and implementing risk management strategies, frameworks, and governance processes. You will provide strategic risk advice to clients and senior stakeholders to support informed decision making, manage complex project risks and opportunities across a large-scale construction and infrastructure programme, and build and maintain trusted client relationships.

Additional responsibilities include influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders including executive and board-level representatives, managing and developing high-performing risk management teams through coaching and mentorship, driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance risk management capability and service delivery, integrating risk management activities within wider project controls and programme management functions, supporting business growth through client engagement and thought leadership, and establishing strong networks with professional bodies, industry peers, and key stakeholders to promote best practice.

Benefits include car allowance, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection insurance, pension scheme, discretionary annual salary reviews, family-friendly policies, 22 days annual leave plus 2 Mace days, 3 days Christmas shutdown, additional long-service leave, and bank holidays.

Our values:
- Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
- Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
- Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
- Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

Requirements

Experience
Proven track record of leading risk management services on major, complex or nationally significant construction and infrastructure programmes. Experience developing and implementing robust risk management frameworks within integrated project controls environments. Expert knowledge of risk management tools such as Active Risk Manager (ARM), Risk Hive, @Risk and Safran Risk. Strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative risk management methodologies. Ability to provide strategic advice and navigate complex, uncertain or ambiguous project environments. Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior leaders, including C-suite executives. Strong commercial awareness and experience supporting business development activities. Demonstrated leadership experience, including developing, mentoring and managing high performing teams.

About you
Strategic thinker with excellent communication and negotiation skills. Able to build and maintain trusted client relationships. Motivated to drive continuous improvement and promote best practice. Committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment. Willingness to obtain Security Clearance (SC) if not already held.

Qualifications
Degree qualified and chartered (or equivalent) with a recognised professional institution such as APM or IRM, alongside proven risk management experience.

Expiry date: 11/12/2026
Programme Risk Lead - Defence
Company:
Mace
Job Type:
Full-time
Location:
London