At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk strategy and analytics for an £8bn programme, ensuring effective risk management.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £92,500, hybrid working, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of naval capability while growing your career with purpose.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk management within complex engineering or defence programmes.
The predicted salary is between 40016 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Scotstoun, Filton or Portsmouth but with frequent travel to Scotstoun if based at Filton or Portsmouth, working a hybrid pattern of 2-3 days per week on site. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Up to £92,500 dependent on skills and experiences.
Who we are: Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future for all of us.
Role description: We are seeking a Head of Risk Management to lead the development and delivery of risk strategy, assurance, and analytics across an £8bn programme. You will embed best-practice risk management, ensuring clear ownership of risks at all levels, and lead specialist analysis capabilities to turn data into actionable insight. A key focus will be driving improvements from review outcomes, while integrating risk with planning, cost, governance, and reporting to deliver transparent, risk-informed decision-making and credible programme forecasts to senior stakeholders.
Core duties:
- Owning the programme risk strategy, standards, and culture, embedding clear, inclusive ownership across all value streams.
- Leading quantitative risk analysis (QRA, QSRA, QCRA), delivering risk-adjusted forecasts and informed contingency recommendations.
- Collaborating with Risk Management SMEs to define roles, strengthen capability, and enhance programme-wide risk practices.
- Translating outcomes from recent assurance reviews into a focused, measurable improvement plan, driving continuous programme enhancement.
- Integrating risk with planning, cost control, and governance, ensuring aligned, transparent reporting across portfolio stakeholders.
Essential skills:
- Experienced risk leader from complex engineering or defence programmes, credible and trusted with senior stakeholders.
- Expert practitioner in qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, translating complex analytics into clear, incisive delivery decisions.
- Highly advanced analytical skills, synthesising risk data across projects, functions, and systems to inform leadership choices.
- Strong commercial awareness, understanding financial exposure, contingency, and business case implications of programme risk.
- Influential communicator with excellent diplomacy, able to challenge constructively while maintaining strong, collaborative relationships.
- Proven cross-functional leader and coach, developing capability across risk, supporting project teams, and growing specialist expertise.
- Degree in Business, Project Management, or related discipline or a substantial amount of practical knowledge gained through experience.
The Risk Management Team: The Type 26 programme is a flagship UK defence initiative, delivering cutting-edge warships at national and international scale. As part of a high-performing PMO, you will join a collaborative, expert team driving innovation, governance, and delivery excellence across a complex, multi-ship programme central to the future of naval capability. The Head of Risk Management is a key part of the Type-26 PMO leadership team.
Why BAE Systems? Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle.
A place where everyone can thrive: We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 5th June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Head of Risk Management employer: BAE Critical Skills
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness, where you can contribute to pioneering defence and aerospace solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, lifelong learning, and a culture of inclusivity, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while being recognised for your contributions. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with tailored rewards and relocation support, all within a supportive community that values diversity and shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk Management
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like BAE Critical Skills looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at BAE Critical Skills. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Critical Skills
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with BAE Critical Skills’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
