Head of Risk Management

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Risk Management

Location: Scotstoun, Filton or Portsmouth but with frequent travel to Scotstoun if based at Filton or Portsmouth, working a hybrid pattern of 2-3 days per week on site

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Up to £92,500 dependent on skills and experiences + executive package

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role description:

We are seeking a Head of Risk Management to lead the development and delivery of risk strategy, assurance, and analytics across an £8bn programme. You will embed best-practice risk management, ensuring clear ownership of risks at all levels, and lead specialist analysis capabilities to turn data into actionable insight. A key focus will be driving improvements from review outcomes, while integrating risk with planning, cost, governance, and reporting to deliver transparent, risk‑informed decision-making and credible programme forecasts to senior stakeholders.

Core duties:

• Owning the programme risk strategy, standards, and culture, embedding clear, inclusive ownership across all value streams
• Leading quantitative risk analysis (QRA, QSRA, QCRA), delivering risk‑adjusted forecasts and informed contingency recommendations
• Collaborating with Risk Management SMEs to define roles, strengthen capability, and enhance programme-wide risk practices
• Translating outcomes from recent assurance reviews into a focused, measurable improvement plan, driving continuous programme enhancement
• Integrating risk with planning, cost control, and governance, ensuring aligned, transparent reporting across portfolio stakeholders

Essential skills:

• Experienced risk leader from complex engineering or defence programmes, credible and trusted with senior stakeholders
• Expert practitioner in qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, translating complex analytics into clear, incisive delivery decisions
• Highly advanced analytical skills, synthesising risk data across projects, functions, and systems to inform leadership choices
• Strong commercial awareness, understanding financial exposure, contingency, and business case implications of programme risk
• Influential communicator with excellent diplomacy, able to challenge constructively while maintaining strong, collaborative relationships
• Proven cross-functional leader and coach, developing capability across risk, supporting project teams, and growing specialist expertise
• Degree in Business, Project Management, or related discipline or a substantial amount of practical knowledge gained through experience

The Risk Management Team:

The Type 26 programme is a flagship UK defence initiative, delivering cutting‑edge warships at national and international scale. As part of a high‑performing PMO, you will join a collaborative, expert team driving innovation, governance, and delivery excellence across a complex, multi‑ship programme central to the future of naval capability. The Head of Risk Management is a key part of the Type-26 PMO leadership team.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 5th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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