At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk engagements in digital transformation and national security, advising senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on defence and national security with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical cover, and a strong focus on wellbeing and development.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor teams and contribute to thought leadership in digital risk.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping risk strategies in high-stakes environments.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in risk, strategy, and governance within defence or regulated sectors.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
As part of our Risk practice, the Digital & Defence Risk team supports public sector and defence‑aligned organisations to manage complex risk across digital transformation, national security, cyber, operational resilience and strategic decision‑making. The role sits at the intersection of technology, defence, security policy and organisational resilience, helping clients to operate effectively in high‑threat, high‑uncertainty environments.
In this Senior Manager role, you will advise senior leaders across defence, central government and critical national infrastructure on identifying, prioritising and mitigating digital and strategic risks. You will support organisations to design and embed risk‑informed decision‑making, strengthen resilience to cyber and technology disruption, and improve governance across complex, multi‑stakeholder systems. The role also requires strong leadership, the ability to operate confidently with senior military, civil service and executive stakeholders, and the judgement to translate complex digital and security risks into clear, actionable insight.
What your days will look like:
- Leading and shaping risk engagements focused on digital transformation, cyber, defence and national security clients
- Advising senior stakeholders on strategic, operational and digital risk, including cyber threats, technology dependencies and geopolitical drivers
- Translating complex technical, intelligence or policy risks into board‑level insight and clear recommendations
- Designing and assessing risk governance, decision‑making forums and escalation pathways for complex organisations
- Supporting clients with scenario planning, crisis preparedness and resilience exercises linked to digital and defence risk
- Working across policy, technology, data and security teams to build joined‑up risk and resilience frameworks
- Leading, mentoring and developing multidisciplinary teams, while role‑modelling inclusive, high‑performance leadership
- Contributing to thought leadership across defence, digital risk, cyber resilience and national security topics
The role is for you if:
- You bring deep experience in risk, strategy, governance or resilience within defence, national security or highly regulated environments
- You are confident operating in ambiguous, fast‑moving risk landscapes, balancing strategic objectives with practical delivery
- You understand the digital and cyber dimensions of modern risk, including data, technology reliance and threat actors
- You are comfortable delivering at senior, Director‑General, Permanent Secretary or military leadership level
- You have experience co‑ordinating across multiple stakeholders, departments or agencies to deliver shared outcomes
- You are values‑driven, people‑focused, and motivated to build high‑performing, inclusive teams
- You enjoy shaping work, influencing direction and contributing to the growth of a practice, not just delivery
What you’ll receive from us:
No matter where you are in your career or personal life, our benefits are designed to support you and recognise your contribution. These include flexible working, a hybrid office/client/home model, private medical cover, access to a virtual GP, volunteering days and a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and development.
Senior Risk Strategy Lead — Digital, Defence & National Security employer: PwC UK
As a leading employer in the Digital & Defence Risk sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our commitment to flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including private medical cover and access to a virtual GP, alongside opportunities for mentoring and leadership development, makes us an exceptional choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in national security and digital transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Risk Strategy Lead — Digital, Defence & National Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence and national security sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their approach to risk management and digital transformation. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your experience, frame it in a way that highlights your leadership and strategic thinking. We want to hear how you’ve tackled complex risks and made a real impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Risk Strategy Lead — Digital, Defence & National Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in risk, strategy, and governance. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the Digital & Defence Risk team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for candidates who can inspire and mentor others while driving high performance.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain complex concepts, especially around digital and cyber risks. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at PwC UK
✨Know Your Risk Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current digital and strategic risks facing the defence and national security sectors. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or incidents that highlight these challenges. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Speak Their Language
When discussing your experience, use terminology that resonates with senior military and civil service stakeholders. Tailor your examples to reflect how you've navigated complex risk environments and translated technical jargon into actionable insights for decision-makers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to share specific instances where you've led multidisciplinary teams or mentored others. Highlight your approach to fostering an inclusive environment and how you’ve successfully influenced direction in previous roles, as this aligns with their focus on high-performance leadership.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organisation's challenges. Inquire about their current risk governance frameworks or how they envision the future of digital transformation in defence. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.
