At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management for major Defence programmes and collaborate with senior leaders.
- Company: Mace, a dynamic construction and consultancy firm redefining ambition.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, medical cover, generous leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Inclusive employer open to diverse candidates and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape impactful projects in a highly regulated environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive risk management experience and knowledge of complex programmes required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
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 seeking an experienced Risk Lead to support one of our major Defence programmes based in Reading. In this pivotal role, you will shape and lead the project’s risk management strategy across a highly regulated, nationally significant environment. You will work closely with senior leaders, integrated project teams and external stakeholders to ensure risks are effectively identified, evaluated, communicated and managed throughout the programme lifecycle. Due to the nature of this work, candidates must be eligible for security clearance (SC). Existing SC clearance is highly desirable.
You’ll Be Responsible For:
- Providing expert advice and guidance to senior leaders and project managers on programme- and project-level risk management processes, ensuring consistent application and a high level of risk maturity across the commission.
- Managing the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the overarching risk management framework, ensuring alignment with organisational standards and project objectives.
- Conducting comprehensive risk assessments, analysing, identifying and quantifying risks that may impact delivery, schedule, performance, cost or compliance.
- Evaluating risks against organisational criteria such as cost, legal, environmental and programme constraints and reviewing the effectiveness of existing risk responses.
- Defining and communicating risk appetite to support strategic decision‑making and enable balanced, informed risk‑taking across the programme.
- Preparing clear, tailored risk reporting for a range of audiences, including senior executives, project leadership teams and functional specialists.
- Supporting governance processes by ensuring transparent, accurate and timely risk reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Managing the development of mitigation strategies, including business continuity planning, preparedness measures, insurance considerations and proactive response planning.
- Conducting risk audits and compliance reviews, working closely with internal and external auditors to ensure adherence to risk policies and standards.
You’ll Need To Have:
- Extensive experience in risk management, with a strong track record applying structured risk processes on complex programmes.
- Experience working on major projects of significant scale and complexity, including large capital or infrastructure programmes.
- Strong knowledge of risk management tools and techniques, including qualitative and quantitative risk analysis.
- Solid understanding of construction and infrastructure project lifecycles, with awareness of key delivery risks and dependencies.
- Proficiency in risk management software and digital tools used for analysis, reporting and scenario modelling.
- Strong understanding of statistical methods such as Monte‑Carlo analysis and the ability to interpret probabilistic outputs.
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to investigate issues in depth and provide clear, evidence‑based insight.
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‑day Christmas shutdown + 1 day per 2 years’ service + bank holidays.
Our values: Safety first - Going home safe and well; Client focus - Deliver on our promise; Integrity - Always do the right thing; Create opportunity - For our people to excel. 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.
Risk Lead - Defence in Reading employer: Mace
Mace is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture that values safety, integrity, and client focus. As a Risk Lead in Reading, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, comprehensive health coverage, and generous leave policies, all while contributing to significant Defence programmes that shape national infrastructure. With a commitment to continuous improvement and inclusivity, Mace provides ample opportunities for professional growth and meaningful engagement in a highly regulated environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk Lead - Defence in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Mace and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their Defence programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your risk management scenarios! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled risks in past projects. This will demonstrate your expertise and give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Mace team.
We think you need these skills to ace Risk Lead - Defence in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in risk management, especially in complex programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Risk Lead in Defence!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your knowledge of risk management tools and techniques. Mention any specific software or methodologies you’ve used, as this will help us understand your fit for the position.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure that your application gets to the right people and stands out in the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace
✨Know Your Risk Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your risk management knowledge, especially in relation to complex programmes. Be ready to discuss specific tools and techniques you've used, like Monte-Carlo analysis, and how they’ve helped you identify and manage risks effectively.
✨Tailor Your Examples
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead risk management strategies. Focus on situations where you’ve had to communicate risks to senior leaders or stakeholders, and how your insights influenced decision-making.
✨Understand Mace's Values
Familiarise yourself with Mace’s core values: safety, client focus, integrity, and creating opportunities. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples of how you embody these principles in your work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in risk management. Practice articulating your thought process when evaluating risks and developing mitigation strategies, ensuring you can demonstrate a structured approach.
