At a Glance
- Tasks: Support risk management and project tracking for high-speed train services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at West Coast Partnership Development, shaping the future of travel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative transport solutions while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills and a passion for project management are essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on teamwork and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Posted 12 January 2026
Salary: Competitive package with great benefits depending on skills and experience
Location: London
Job type: Permanent - Full Time
Reference: Job Function Headquarters
Contact Name: Diego Fuentes & Audrey Ezekwesili
About the role
West Coast Partnership Development is the Shadow Operator for high speed and intercity services on the West Coast route corridor following the opening of HS2. Our purpose is to design, deliver and operate an integrated high-speed and intercity train service that meets the needs and expectations of passengers and maximises the benefits of significant public investment. We are the customer champion and the future operator and have a mission to deliver more journeys, faster journeys, better journeys. We believe that High Speed services should be a great travel experience. One that is easy, reliable and comfortable. We will do this by keeping things simple, removing sources of stress and prioritising our customers.
The Programme of work to deliver this, and the ultimate benefits is significant and complex. The WCPD Programme Management Office (PMO) is the engine room behind the scenes, with a diverse team of multi‑talented, multi‑skilled, proactive Project Portfolio Management (PPM) professionals with extensive background in PMO/Programme and Project delivery who enjoy thriving in the busy, complex and strategic Programme delivery environment supporting a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Our work is helping to shape the future travel of GB, and we have a variety of exciting vacancies for the right PPM professionals to get involved and help deliver the HSS. Look at the roles below and if you think that you have what it takes, get in touch.
Risk Analyst – Purpose
The purpose of the job is to support the Project Management Office (PMO) in monitoring and tracking Strategic, Business, Programme and Project Risks across the portfolio, analysing data and facilitating the timely preparation of project and programme information between Project Teams and Governance Boards. Also providing analysis support on the Programme, as well as other PMO needs which may emerge as the Programme evolves. Finally, supporting the Risk management capabilities for the Programme, coordinating all risk assurance activities and reporting across all the risk management levels throughout the organisation and managing the project management software and support on all reporting activities.
PMO Activities
- Work with PMO colleagues to develop, implement and maintain frameworks, processes and standards for Programme and Project Management risk management.
- Support PMO colleagues to ensure that accurate project management documentation is maintained across all programmes and products.
Risk Management
- Embed and continuously improve the Risk, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies and Opportunities (RAIDO) Management Framework and processes, coaching and mentoring colleagues on the WCPD way of proactive Risk management.
- Engage with Directors and senior stakeholders with identifying and updating Programme/Strategic/Business Risks.
- Lead assurance reviews and reporting on Strategic, Business, Programme and Project RAIDO with functional leads, product delivery managers and SMEs.
- Facilitate forums identifying Risks (threats and Opportunities), monitoring and challenging mitigation and realisation actions.
- Produce RAIDO reports as required in a timely manner to support effective communication.
Reporting
- Coach new starters on our Project Management tool (Workfront) and outcomes from our reports.
- Work with the Reporting Systems Analyst and functional data owners to ensure Project/Programme information is logged correctly and that data flows across platforms are accurate.
- Support the Reporting Systems Analyst using Power BI to generate Business and Programme reports.
- Deputise for the Reporting Systems Analyst in their absence or as and when required.
Continuous Improvement
- Work with the Programme Delivery Manager, Reporting Systems Analyst, wider PMO colleagues and Functional SMEs, to assess and analyse the processes, standards and contractual compliance checks for existing WCPD deliverables, proactively identifying gaps and making recommendations to existing processes, standards and templates to satisfy compliance checks.
- Manage ad‑hoc projects as required to improve efficiencies in our governance, assurance, reporting, information management and delivery processes and procedures.
The role is based in London (338 Euston Road) and with the requirement for some travel on our network at times. The expectation will be a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
About West Coast Partnership Development
West Coast Partnership comprises two distinct parts: Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development. Avanti West Coast runs the InterCity West Coast train services from London to north England, north Wales and Scotland. Our work in WCPD is focused on developing plans for what the new high‑speed services will look like (customer experience), how they will work (railway operations) and how we will start running new services and trains (mobilisation). Over the next 10 years we will develop and implement a programme (HS2 Ltd are building the new railway and associated infrastructure).
Your application
At WCPD, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding. We recognise the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation. Everyone who joins us becomes part of our close‑knit team. We’re committed to ensuring that we are expansive and a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use!
Risk Analyst WCPD employer: Avanti West Coast
Contact Detail:
Avanti West Coast Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk Analyst WCPD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at WCPD. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around customer experience and risk management. This will help you tailor your answers and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, but also be ready for scenario-based questions related to risk analysis. Think about how you would handle specific risks or challenges in a project setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Risk Analyst WCPD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Risk Analyst role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in risk management and project delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled risks in previous projects and how you can contribute to our mission at WCPD.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: As a Risk Analyst, your analytical skills are key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've used data analysis in past roles to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Know Your Risks
Familiarise yourself with the key risks associated with the role of a Risk Analyst. Understand the RAIDO framework and be ready to discuss how you would identify and manage risks in a project environment. This shows that you’re not just aware of the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully analysed data to inform decision-making. Be specific about the tools you used, like Power BI or any project management software, and how your analysis led to improved outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to support the PMO effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, including Directors and senior management. Prepare to discuss strategies for effective communication and collaboration, especially when it comes to reporting on risks and opportunities. This is crucial for the role and shows you understand the importance of stakeholder management.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to talk about how you’ve contributed to process improvements in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in assessing and analysing processes, and how you’ve made recommendations that led to better efficiencies. This aligns perfectly with the continuous improvement aspect of the job.