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- Tasks: Lead risk management for major infrastructure projects, ensuring effective strategies and practices.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in delivering clean energy solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, electric car, bonus, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of the Great Grid Upgrade, making a real impact on the UK's energy future.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk management for high-value programmes and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel across England and Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 80000 £ per year.
Department: Electricity Transmission - Non-Operations
Job Function: Business Change and Project Management
The most ambitious upgrade to the UK's electricity grid in generations is under way. Strategic Infrastructure, part of National Grid Electricity Transmission, is responsible for delivering 17 major new projects to connect more clean, low-carbon power to the transmission network in England and Wales. These projects play a vital part in achieving the UK Government’s ambition of connecting 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.
We’re looking for 2 Head of Risk professionals with significant experience in large construction programmes, knowledge of modern but pragmatic practice. These roles offer the opportunity to combine functional best practices with the behaviours and culture needed to effect change in a large diverse organisation.
As a Head of Risk, you’ll develop the risk environment to be used by the risk practitioners across the projects. You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders and external providers. It will involve working across people, process, and systems to optimise the risk and opportunity management practice across the projects/PMO. In these roles you can enjoy our hybrid working from office and home. You'll be flexible to regular travel throughout England and Scotland, depending on the project.
Key accountabilities:
- Lead the development and implementation of effective risk and opportunity management policy, strategy, process, procedures, practices, and behaviours to be used consistently across all projects.
- Combine the strengths of People, Process and Systems to enable a high-performance team to deliver the risk management function deliverables.
- Support continuous improvement of the performance of the Project Services / PMO and risk teams, setting high standards and creating a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
- Lead the risk management workstream, including the prioritisation and allocation of specific workload activities and coaching and mentoring of a geographically spread team.
- Provide guidance, advice and leadership to the risk team representatives allocated to the delivery projects.
- Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure risk and opportunity data is appropriate, readily available for performance reporting and easily understood to support effective decision making.
About you:
- Experienced professional with extensive knowledge of risk management and good knowledge of other functions such as Commercial and Finance.
- Experience in developing or implementing the risk and opportunity management function on high-value programmes / portfolios: >£500m.
- Expert knowledge of project and programme risk management practice and the communication of risk and opportunity data through effective reporting tools.
- Experience of using a range of risk management digital tools and their successful application in an enterprise environment including robust risk registers, QCRA and QSRA deliverables.
- Demonstrable experience of successfully working in a matrix and integrated team on major infrastructure projects and leading a geographically spread team.
- Significant experience in leading risk and opportunity workshops and reviews to ensure risks and opportunities are identified early and actively managed.
- Ability to bring creative and innovative new approaches to projects, programmes or a business that deliver lasting improvements.
- A Degree or similar qualification in a related subject area including, but not limited to, Business, Commerce, Finance, Construction or Engineering.
What you'll get:
A competitive starting salary between £80,000 - £100,000 – dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a full electric company car or cash alternative, a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance, private medical insurance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, a salary sacrifice technology scheme, support via the employee assistance line and matched charity giving to name a few.
About us:
National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a Business Unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales. Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via The Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home-grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future.
This role closes on 25 March 2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Head of Risk employer: National Grid plc
Contact Detail:
National Grid plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in risk management, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects. Understanding modern practices and tools like QCRA and QSRA will give you an edge when discussing your approach to risk management during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the energy sector, particularly those involved in major infrastructure projects. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led risk management initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your experience in facilitating workshops and managing geographically dispersed teams, as these are key aspects of the Head of Risk position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research National Grid's current projects and their strategic goals. Being able to articulate how your skills and experiences align with their mission to enhance the electricity grid will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in risk management, particularly in large construction programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of project and programme risk management practices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the importance of risk management in delivering major infrastructure projects. Mention how your skills align with the key accountabilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list any relevant qualifications and memberships, such as PMI, APM, or RICS, in your application. This will show your commitment to professional development and your expertise in the field.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of your leadership experience, especially in managing geographically spread teams and facilitating risk workshops. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others in a complex environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Risk position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with the projects mentioned in the job description, especially regarding risk management in large construction programmes.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your extensive experience in risk management, particularly in high-value programmes. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully implemented risk strategies and managed teams across diverse projects.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since the role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your approach to collaboration and communication. Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with different parties to ensure risk data is understood and utilised for decision-making.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
The company values a culture of learning and continuous improvement. Be ready to talk about any initiatives you've led or participated in that aimed at enhancing risk management practices or team performance, showcasing your ability to drive change.
