Risk Manager - Defence in Preston

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We are looking to appoint a Risk Manager to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting a major long‑term programme operating within air system and Defence environments. In this role, you will lead and coordinate risk and opportunity management across designated projects, work packages and the wider programme, providing clear risk‑based insight to support planning, cost forecasting, decision making and assured delivery. The role is due to commence in late autumn to early winter and sits within an Integrated Client Team operating in a secure and highly regulated environment.

Note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Facilitating risk and opportunity identification workshops and maintaining high quality risk registers with clear ownership, actions and review cycles.
• Applying appropriate risk assessment techniques, including probability and impact scoring and qualitative or quantitative approaches where required, ensuring consistency and effective escalation.
• Supporting the development, tracking and review of mitigation and opportunity realisation plans, monitoring effectiveness and residual exposure.
• Providing clear risk reporting and insight to governance forums, including trend analysis, top risks, emerging threats and key decision points.
• Integrating risk data with schedule and cost information to support forecasting, contingency recommendations and delivery assurance.
• Supporting audits, assurance reviews and the continuous improvement of risk management processes, tools and standards.

You’ll need to have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and or a recognised risk management or project management qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering structured risk and opportunity management within complex construction or infrastructure programmes, ideally in regulated or high‑assurance sectors such as defence, aviation or nuclear.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative risk techniques, with the ability to apply proportionate approaches aligned to programme maturity.
• Strong facilitation skills, with confidence engaging multi‑disciplinary stakeholders and driving ownership of mitigations and actions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present clear, evidence‑based risk insight to senior stakeholders and governance forums.
• Flexibility and willingness to work from the Preston or Lancashire area as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

What’s on offer:

• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + 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.