Risk Lead - Defence

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.

Note: 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 review 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: 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.