Risk Lead - Defence

We are looking for an experienced Risk Management Lead to join our Defence team in London. This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for leading the provision of risk management services across major and complex defence programmes, developing high-performing teams, and building trusted client relationships.

As the Risk Management Subject Matter Expert, you will drive best-in-class risk management practices, influence key stakeholders, and help shape the successful delivery of some of the UK's most important and high-profile defence projects.

Due to the nature of our Defence programmes, Security Clearance (SC) is essential, or candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain SC clearance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Directing the delivery of risk management services across major commissions and programmes.
• Acting as the senior risk management subject matter expert for clients and project teams.
• Developing and implementing risk management strategies, frameworks and governance processes.
• Providing strategic risk advice to clients and senior stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Managing complex project risks and opportunities across large-scale construction and infrastructure programmes.
• Building and maintaining trusted client relationships, consistently delivering against expectations.
• Influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders, including executive and board-level representatives.
• Managing and developing high-performing risk management teams through coaching and mentorship.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance risk management capability and service delivery.
• Integrating risk management activities within wider project controls and programme management functions.
• Supporting business growth through client engagement, thought leadership and cross-selling opportunities.
• Establishing strong networks with professional bodies, industry peers and key stakeholders to promote best practice.

You’ll need to have:

• At least 10-15yrs or equivalent experience as risk management leader delivering a range of project risk management services on major construction programmes.
• Relevant university degree (e.g. risk management, engineering) or equivalent.
• Chartered (or equivalent) membership of relevant professional institution(s) e.g. Association of Project Managers/Institute of Risk Management.
• Actively engages with peers out with Mace within professional bodies and other forum to maintain professional knowledge and work across industry to advance the profession.
• Actively supports professional White Paper development and review.
• Actively promotes Mace Group within professional networks both within the UK and globally.

What's on offer:

• Car allowance.
• Private medical insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family-friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave, plus 2 Mace days, 3 days Christmas shutdown, additional long-service leave, plus 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 with-in the role.