The Risk Lead provides senior leadership and strategic direction for risk and opportunity management across a major infrastructure programme. Operating within the PMO function, the role is responsible for establishing, embedding and continuously improving a comprehensive risk and opportunity management framework that supports effective decision‑making, governance and assurance across the full programme lifecycle.
This role leads a dedicated risk and opportunity management team and works closely with delivery partners, appointed contractors and key stakeholders to ensure that risks are systematically identified, assessed, quantified, mitigated and reported. The Risk Lead provides an independent, objective view of risk exposure across operational, strategic and retained risks, ensuring transparency, consistency and alignment across all levels of programme governance.
A key focus of the role is the provision of timely, high‑quality risk information, guidance and specialist advice, ensuring that risk management is practical, embedded, and actively supports successful programme delivery.
Risk & Opportunity Leadership
- Lead the PMO risk and opportunity management team and promote a proactive risk management culture across the programme.
- Provide independent, expert risk advice to senior leadership and governance forums.
- Ensure risk management practices are practical, embedded and aligned with programme controls and delivery processes.
Frameworks, Systems & Processes
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk reporting framework covering operational, strategic and retained risks, with clear escalation routes from contract to programme level.
- Lead the selection, implementation and use of a scalable risk management system to support documentation, monitoring, analysis and reporting.
- Oversee risk registers, ensuring completeness, consistency and accuracy across all delivery contracts.
Quantitative Risk Analysis & Reporting
- Own the development and maintenance of Quantitative Cost and Schedule Risk models (QCRA / QSRA).
- Ensure models are updated at least quarterly and following significant programme change.
- Track and report materialised risks against approved cost and schedule risk allowances.
Stakeholder & Contract Interfaces
- Coordinate risk management activities with delivery partners, contractors and advisors.
- Lead regular risk reviews and quarterly risk workshops in line with governance requirements.
- Ensure risk management requirements are clearly communicated and consistently applied across all contractors.
- Identify and escalate risks and opportunities requiring senior or Board‑level attention.
Procurement, Assurance & Governance Support
- Define risk management requirements for procurement and contract documentation.
- Support tender evaluations and commercial clarifications relating to risk and opportunity management.
- Ensure effective handover of risk systems, processes and data to the client organisation.