Head of Risk

Our client, a leading organisation in the rail industry, is currently seeking an experienced Head of Risk to join their team on a contract basis. This role is essential for guiding the risk and opportunity management strategy for the HS2 programme, one of the UK's most significant and high profile infrastructure projects. The role involves ensuring early identification of risks, creating robust mitigation plans, and delivering actionable insights to stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and deliver the risk and opportunity management strategy, ensuring alignment with HS2 governance and industry standards.
• Develop, implement, and refine risk frameworks to support effective and consistent risk management across the programme.
• Facilitate risk workshops and work with multidisciplinary teams to identify, assess, and plan mitigations for key risks and emerging issues.
• Maintain the programme-level strategic risk register with accuracy, clarity, and traceability.
• Provide high-quality risk analytics and reporting, including trends, insights, and forecasts to aid senior leadership and board-level discussions.
• Effectively communicate risks and opportunities across project teams, leadership groups, and external stakeholders.
• Support decision-making by offering expert advice on risk exposure, mitigation effectiveness, and contingency planning.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Proven senior-level experience in risk management on major infrastructure or complex programmes.
• Strong knowledge of risk frameworks, methodologies, and quantitative/qualitative assessment techniques.
• Excellent facilitation skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in producing clear, compelling reports for executive or board-level audiences.
• Ability to operate strategically while managing detailed, data-driven analysis.
• Previous experience on rail, transport, construction, or large government programmes is highly advantageous.

What We're Looking For:

A proactive leader who can blend strategic thinking with hands on risk expertise. You will be confident navigating complex stakeholder environments and capable of driving a strong risk culture across the programme. If you have the expertise and passion for this critical role, apply now to bring your skills to our client's dynamic team.